Topical Skin Care Formulations Comprising Plant Extracts

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are compositions and corresponding methods of their use that include extracts from a  Lonicera maackii  and  Polygonum hydropiper . The composition can be used to reduce tyrosinase activity and elastase activity in skin cells.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/869,352, filed Aug. 26, 2010, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/237,087, filed Aug. 26, 2009. Thecontents of the referenced applications are incorporated into thepresent application by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to compositions that include oneor any combination of plant extracts selected from the group consistingof: Ficus tikoua; Polygonum hydropiper; Pistacia chinensis; Zizyphusmauritiana; Garuga forrestii; Michelia figo; Populus davidiana; Sabinachinensis; Cuphea balsamona; Setaria palmifolia; Polygonumlapathifolium; Artemisia parviflora; Camptotheca acuminate; Washingtoniafilifera; Machilus longipedicellata; Geranium nepalense; Ipomoeaobscura; Cedrus deodara; Quercus aliena; Loropetalum chinensis;carqueja; condurango; catuaba; Carex baccans; Trema angustifolia;Chrysalidocarpus lutescens; Gnaphalium pensylvanicum; Lonicera maackii;Tsoongiodendron odorum; Celtis sinensis; Cassia siamea; Glochidionlanceolaris; Catalpa yunnanesis; Potamogenton perforliatus; andCinnamomum japonicum; and any combination of extracts thereof. Inparticular aspects, the compositions include an extract selected fromthe group consisting of: Camptotheca acuminate extract; Loropetalumchinensis extract; Chrysalidocarpus lutscens extract; and Potamogentonperforliatus extract; and any combination thereof. The compositions canbe formulated as topical skin compositions, edible compositions,injectible compositions, oral compositions, hair care compositions, etc.

B. Description of Related Art

Ageing, chronic exposure to adverse environmental factors, malnutrition,fatigue, etc., can change the visual appearance, physical properties, orphysiological functions of skin in ways that are considered visuallyundesirable. The most notable and obvious changes include thedevelopment of fine lines and wrinkles, loss of elasticity, increasedsagging, loss of firmness, loss of color evenness or tone, coarsesurface texture, and mottled pigmentation. Less obvious, but measurablechanges which occur as skin ages or endures chronic environmental insultinclude a general reduction in cellular and tissue vitality, reductionin cell replication rates, reduced cutaneous blood flow, reducedmoisture content, accumulated errors in structure and function,alterations in the normal regulation of common biochemical pathways, anda reduction in the skin's ability to remodel and repair itself. Many ofthe alterations in appearance and function of the skin are caused bychanges in the outer epidermal layer of the skin, while others arecaused by changes in the lower dermis.

Previous attempts to improve the visual appearance of skin with knownskin active-ingredients have been shown to have various drawbacks suchas skin irritation and prolonged recovery periods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventors discovered that a wide variety of plant extracts havetherapeutic benefits. These extracts include extracts obtained fromFicus tikoua, Polygonum hydropiper, Pistacia chinensis, Zizyphusmauritiana, Garuga forrestii, Michelia figo, Populus davidiana, Sabinachinensis, Cuphea balsamona, Setaria palmifolia, Polygonumlapathifolium, Artemisia parviflora, Camptotheca acuminate, Washingtoniafilifera, Machilus longipedicellata, Geranium nepalense, Ipomoeaobscura, Cedrus deodara, Quercus aliena, Loropetalum chinensis,carqueja, condurango, catuaba, Carex baccans, Trema angustifolia,Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Gnaphalium pensylvanicum, Lonicera maackii,Tsoongiodendron odorum, Celtis sinensis, Cassia siamea, Glochidionlanceolaris, Catalpa yunnanesis, Potamogenton perforliatus, orCinnamomum japonicum, or any combination thereof, or at least 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, or 35 of said extractsin a single composition. In particular aspects, the extracts areobtained from the whole plant (i.e., the entire plant is used to preparethe extract) or from a part of the plant (e.g., leaf, stem, root,flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.). The extracts can be aqueous extracts ornon-aqueous extracts. The extracts can be extracted with alcohol (e.g.,methanol, ethanol propanol, butanol, etc.), glycols, oils, water, etc.The extracts can be included in compositions such as topical skincompositions, edible compositions, injectible compositions, oralcompositions, pharmaceutical compositions, hair care compositions, etc.

In one non-limiting aspect of the present invention there is disclosed amethod of treating skin comprising topically applying to skin in needthereof a compositing comprising a Loropetalum chinensis extract adermatologically acceptable vehicle, wherein topical application of thecomposition to skin in need thereof treats the skin condition. Thecomposition is capable of inhibiting tyrosinase activity, elastaseactivity, and/or TNF-α activity in the skin and/or inhibiting oxidationin the skin. The composition can be applied to a fine line or wrinkle,erythemic skin, dry, flaky, or itchy skin, skin having an uneven skintone or melasmic skin, inflamed skin, and other skin associateddisorders disclosed throughout this specification. The composition canfurther include extracts from Trema angustifolia and/or Glochidionlanceolaris. Such extracts can be from the whole plant or a part of theplant (e.g., leaf, stem, root, flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.). Thecomposition can further inhibit lipoxygenase activity, COX activity,and/or MMP-3 activity. The composition can further include 0.01% to 20%by weight of Loropetalum chinensis extract (or 0.1, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4,0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 99%, or more or anyinteger or range therein). The composition can be formulated as alotion, cream, gel, serum, or emulsion. The Loropetalum chinensisextract can be an aqueous extract. The Loropetalum chinensis extract canbe extracted with an alcohol (e.g., methanol, ethanol, propanol,butanol, etc.). The extract of Loropetalum chinensis can be from thewhole plant or a part of the plant (e.g., leaf, stem, root, flower,seed, sap, bark, etc.).

In another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a topicalskin care composition comprising Loropetalum chinensis extract and adermatologically acceptable vehicle. The composition can include 0.01%to 20% by weight of Loropetalum chinensis extract (or 0.1, 0.1, 0.2,0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 99%, ormore or any integer or range therein). The composition can furtherinclude a moisturizing agent or a humectant, at least 40% by weight ofwater, a surfactant, a silicone containing compounds, a UV agent, anoil, and/or other ingredients identified in this specification or thoseknown in the art. The composition can be a lotion, cream, gel, serum,emulsion, powder, etc. The Loropetalum chinensis extract can be anaqueous extract. The Loropetalum chinensis extract can be extracted withan alcohol (e.g., methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, etc.). Theextract of Loropetalum chinensis can be from the whole plant or a partof the plant (e.g., leaf, stem, root, flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.).The composition can further include extracts from Trema angustifoliaand/or Glochidion lanceolaris. Such extracts can be from the whole plantor a part of the plant (e.g., leaf, stem, root, flower, seed, sap, bark,etc.).

In another aspect, there is disclosed an aqueous extract of obtainedfrom Ficus tikoua, Polygonum hydropiper, Pistacia chinensis, Zizyphusmauritiana, Garuga forrestii, Michelia figo, Populus davidiana, Sabinachinensis, Cuphea balsamona, Setaria palmifolia, Polygonumlapathifolium, Artemisia parviflora, Camptotheca acuminate, Washingtoniafilifera, Machilus longipedicellata, Geranium nepalense, Ipomoeaobscura, Cedrus deodara, Quercus aliena, Loropetalum chinensis,carqueja, condurango, catuaba, Carex baccans, Trema angustifolia,Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Gnaphalium pensylvanicum, Lonicera maackii,Tsoongiodendron odorum, Celtis sinensis, Cassia siamea, Glochidionlanceolaris, Catalpa yunnanesis, Potamogenton perforliatus, orCinnamomum japonicum, or any combination thereof, or at least 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, or 35 of said extractsin a single composition. In particular aspects, the extracts can beobtained from the whole plant (i.e., the entire plant is used to preparethe extract) or from a part of the plant (e.g., leaf, stem, root,flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.). The extracts can be aqueous extracts ornon-aqueous extracts. The extracts can be extracted with alcohol (e.g.,methanol, ethanol propanol, butanol, etc.), glycols, oils, water, etc.In particular embodiments, the extract is an extract from Loropetalumchinensis, Trema angustifolia and/or Glochidion lanceolaris, and anycombination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the compositions of the present inventioninclude Ficus tikoua, Polygonum hydropiper, Pistacia chinensis, Zizyphusmauritiana, Garuga forrestii, Michelia figo, Populus davidiana, Sabinachinensis, Cuphea balsamona, Setaria Polygonum lapathifolium, Artemisiaparviflora, Camptotheca acuminate, Washingtonia filifera, Machiluslongipedicellata, Geranium nepalense, Ipomoea obscura, Cedrus deodara,Quercus aliena, Loropetalum chinensis, carqueja, condurango, catuaba,Carex baccans, Trema angustifolia, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens,Gnaphalium pensylvanicum, Lonicera maackii, Tsoongiodendron odorum,Celtis sinensis, Cassia siamea, Glochidion lanceolaris, Catalpayunnanesis, Potamogenton perforliatus, or Cinnamomum japonicum, or anycombination thereof, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30,31, 32, 33, 34, or 35 of said extracts in a single composition. Theextracts can be obtained from the whole plant (i.e., the entire plant isused to prepare the extract) or from a part of the plant (e.g., leaf,stem, root, flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.). Such compositions can beformulated into topical skin or hair care compositions. The compositionscan be cosmetic compositions. The compositions can be formulated asemulsions (e.g., oil-in-water, water-in-oil, silicone-in-water,water-in-silicone, water-in-oil-in-water, oil-in-water,oil-in-water-in-oil, oil-in-water-in-silicone, etc.), creams, lotions,solutions (e.g., aqueous or hydro-alcoholic solutions), anhydrous bases(e.g., lipstick or a powder), gels, ointments, milks, pastes, aerosols,solid forms, eye jellies, etc. The compositions can also be formulatedfor topical skin application at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or more timesa day during use. In other aspects of the present invention,compositions can be storage stable or color stable, or both. It is alsocontemplated that the viscosity of the composition can be selected toachieve a desired result, e.g., depending on the type of compositiondesired, the viscosity of such composition can be from about 1 cps towell over 1 million cps or any range or integer derivable therein (e.g.,2 cps, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100,200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000,6000, 7000, 8000, 9000, 10000, 20000, 30000, 40000, 50000, 60000, 70000,80000, 90000, 100000, 200000, 300000, 400000, 500000, 600000, 700000,800000, 900000, 1000000 cps, etc., as measured on a BrookfieldViscometer using a TC spindle at 2.5 rpm at 25° C.).

The compositions of the present invention can include any desired amountof any one of or any combination of the aforementioned extracts. Theamount of the extracts can individually or combined be from 0.0001,0.0002, 0.0003, 0.0004, 0.0005, 0.0006, 0.0007, 0.0008, 0.0009, 0.001,0.002, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005, 0.006, 0.007, 0.008, 0.009, 0.01, 0.02,0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6,0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98,99%, or more, or any range derivable therein, by weight or volume of theextract or combination of extracts.

The compositions of the present invention can also be modified to have adesired oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value. In certainnon-limiting aspects, the compositions of the present invention or theplant extracts identified throughout this specification can be modifiedto have an ORAC value per mg of at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26,27, 28, 29, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70, 80, 90, 95, 100, 200, 300,400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000,8000, 9000, 10000, 15000, 20000, 30000, 50000, 100000 or more or anyrange derivable therein.

The compositions in non-limiting aspects can have a pH of about 6 toabout 9. In other aspects, the pH can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 13, or 14. The compositions can include a triglyceride.Non-limiting examples include small, medium, and large chaintriglycerides. In certain aspects, the triglyceride is a medium chaintriglyceride (e.g., caprylic capric triglyceride). The compositions canalso include preservatives. Non-limiting examples of preservativesinclude methylparaben, propylparaben, or a mixture of methylparaben andpropylparaben.

Compositions of the present invention can have UVA and UVB absorptionproperties. The compositions can have an sun protection factor (SPF) of2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45,50, 55, 60, or more, or any integer or derivative therein. Thecompositions can be sunscreen lotions, sprays, or creams.

The compositions of the present invention can also include any one of,any combination of, or all of the following additional ingredients:water, a chelating agent, a moisturizing agent, a preservative, athickening agent, a silicone containing compound, an essential oil, astructuring agent, a vitamin, a pharmaceutical ingredient, or anantioxidant, or any combination of such ingredients or mixtures of suchingredients. In certain aspects, the composition can include at leasttwo, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or all of theseadditional ingredients identified in the previous sentence. Non-limitingexamples of these additional ingredients are identified throughout thisspecification and are incorporated into this section by reference. Theamounts of such ingredients can range from 0.0001% to 99.9% by weight orvolume of the composition, or any integer or range in between asdisclosed in other sections of this specification, which areincorporated into this paragraph by reference.

In another embodiment, there is disclosed a topical skin carecomposition that includes an one of or combination of the aforementionedextracts in combination with any one of, any combination of, or all ofthe following ingredients: water; glycerin; butylene glycol; propyleneglycol; phenoxyethanol; a chelating agent (e.g., EDTA, disodium EDTA,trisodium EDTA, EGTA, disodium EGTA, trisodium EGTA, citric acid,phosphoric acid, succinic acid, etc.); steareth-20; chlorhexidinediglunonate; potassium sorbate; and/or a preservative (e.g.,methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben,isobutylparaben, etc.). In particular aspects, the composition canfurther include any one of, any combination of, or all of the followingadditional ingredients: alcohol; denatured alcohol; glyceryl stearate;dimethicone; PEG-100 stearate; capryl glycol; triethanolamine;maltodextrin; sorbic acid; ethylene brassylate; methyl linalool;isobutyl methyl tetrahydropyranol; ethylhexylglycerin; and/or hexyleneglycol. The concentrations of these ingredients can range from 0.00001to 99% by weight or volume of the composition or any integer or rangederivable therein as explained in other portions of this specificationwhich are incorporated into this paragraph by reference. In particularaspects, the concentration of water can be at least 35% to 80% by weightof water.

In another embodiment, there is disclosed a topical skin carecomposition that includes an one of or combination of the aforementionedextracts in combination with any one of, any combination of or all ofthe following ingredients: water; dimethicone; triethanolamine;phenonip; betaine; a chelating agent (e.g., EDTA, disodium EDTA,trisodium EDTA, EGTA, disodium EGTA, trisodium EGTA, citric acid,phosphoric acid, succinic acid, etc.); tocopheryl acetate; and/or prodew400. In particular aspects, the composition can further include any oneof, any combination of, or all of the following additional ingredients:propylene glycol; isododecane; polyacrylamide/C13-C14isoparaffin/laureth 7 mixture; PEG-12 dimethicone; and/or ethylhexylpalmitate. The concentrations of these ingredients can range from0.00001 to 99% by weight or volume of the composition or any integer orrange derivable therein as explained in other portions of thisspecification which are incorporated into this paragraph by reference.In particular aspects, the concentration of water can be at least 35% to80% by weight of water.

In another embodiment, there is disclosed a topical skin carecomposition that includes an one of or combination of the aforementionedextracts in combination with any one of, any combination of, or all ofthe following ingredients: water; glycerin; pentylene glycol; caprylglycol; disodium EDTA; capric/caprylic triglyceride; shea butter;squalane; cetyl alcohol; dimethicone; ceramide II; stearic acid; amixture of glyceryl stearate and PEG 100 stearate; or a mixture ofacrylamide/acryloyl dimethyl taurate copolymer, isohexadecane, andpolysorbate 80. The concentrations of these ingredients can range from0.00001 to 99% by weight or volume of the composition or any integer orrange derivable therein as explained in other portions of thisspecification which are incorporated into this paragraph by reference.In particular aspects, the concentration of water can be at least 35% to80% by weight of water. The ratio of water to glycerin can be from about7:1 to 9:1 based on the total weight of the composition. The ratio ofglycerin to pentylene glycol can be from about 1:1 to about 2:1 based onthe total weight of the composition.

In another embodiment, there is disclosed a topical skin carecomposition that includes an one of or combination of the aforementionedextracts in combination with any one of, any combination of, or all ofthe following ingredients: water; glycerin; capryl glycol; caprylglycol; disodium EDTA; petrolatum; squalane; cetyl alcohol; a mixture ofglyceryl stearate and PEG 100 stearate; dimethicone; or a mixture ofacrylamide/acryloyl dimethyl taurate copolymer, isohexadecane, andpolysorbate 80. The concentrations of these ingredients can range from0.00001 to 99% by weight or volume of the composition or any integer orrange derivable therein as explained in other portions of thisspecification which are incorporated into this paragraph by reference.In particular aspects, the concentration of water can be at least 35% to80% by weight of water. The ratio of water to glycerin can be from about12:1 to 16:1 based on the total weight of the composition. The ratio ofglycerin to pentylene glycol can be from about 0.5:1 to about 1.5:1based on the total weight of the composition.

In another embodiment, there is disclosed a topical skin carecomposition that includes an one of or combination of the aforementionedextracts in combination with any one of, any combination of, or all ofthe following ingredients: water; xanthan gum; disodium EDTA; pentyleneglycol; capryl glycol; acrylate C10-30 acrylate cross polymer;triethanolamine; PVP/hexadecene copolymer; C12-15 alkyl benzoate;sorbitan isostearate; or a sunscreen agent. The concentrations of theseingredients can range from 0.00001 to 99% by weight or volume of thecomposition or any integer or range derivable therein as explained inother portions of this specification which are incorporated into thisparagraph by reference. In particular aspects, the concentration ofwater can be at least 35% to 80% by weight of water. The ratio of waterto C12-15 alkyl benzoate can be from about 2:1 to 3:1 based on the totalweight of the composition. The ratio of water to pentylene glycol can befrom about 9:1 to about 11:1 based on the total weight of thecomposition.

In another embodiment, there is disclosed a topical skin carecomposition that includes an one of or combination of the aforementionedextracts in combination with any one of, any combination of, or all ofthe following ingredients: water; disodium EDTA; citric acid; pentyleneglycol; capryl glycol; sodium cocoamphodiacetate; or sodium methylcocoyl taurate. The concentrations of these ingredients can range from0.00001 to 99% by weight or volume of the composition or any integer orrange derivable therein as explained in other portions of thisspecification which are incorporated into this paragraph by reference.In particular aspects, the concentration of water can be at least 35% to80% by weight of water. The ratio of water to pentylene glycol can befrom about 12:1 to 14:1 based on the total weight of the composition.The ratio of water to sodium cocoamphodiacetate can be from about 8:1 toabout 11:1 based on the total weight of the composition. The ratio ofwater to sodium methyl cocoyl taurate can be from about 2:1 to about 4:1based on the total weight of the composition. The ratio of sodium methylcocoyl taurate to sodium cocoamphodiacetate can be from about 2:1 toabout 4:1 based on the total weight of the composition.

In one embodiment of the present invention there is disclosed a methodof reducing the appearance of symptoms associated with erythema (e.g.,erythemic skin, sensitive skin, inflamed skin) comprising topicallyapplying a composition to erythemic, sensitive, or inflamed skin whereinthe composition includes an extract selected from Ficus tikoua,Polygonum hydropiper, Pistacia chinensis, Zizyphus mauritiana, Garugaforrestii, Michelia figo, Populus davidiana, Sabina chinensis, Cupheabalsamona, Setaria palmifolia, Polygonum lapathifolium, Artemisiaparviflora, Camptotheca acuminate, Washingtonia filifera, Machiluslongipedicellata, Geranium nepalense, Ipomoea obscura, Cedrus deodara,Quercus aliena, Loropetalum chinensis, carqueja, condurango, catuaba,Carex baccans, Trema angustifolia, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens,Gnaphalium pensylvanicum, Lonicera maackii, Tsoongiodendron odorum,Celtis sinensis, Cassia siamea, Glochidion lanceolaris, Catalpayunnanesis, Potamogenton perforliatus, or Cinnamomum japonicum, or anycombination thereof, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30,31, 32, 33, 34, or 35 of said extracts in a single composition; and adermatologically acceptable vehicle, wherein topical application of thecomposition to erythemic, sensitive, or inflamed skin reduces theappearance of symptoms associated with erythema, sensitive skin, orinflamed skin. The extracts can be obtained from the whole plant (i.e.,the entire plant is used to prepare the extract) or from a part of theplant (e.g., leaf, stem, root, flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.). Further,the compositions described throughout the specification and claims canbe used with this method. In particular embodiments, the extract is anextract from Loropetalum chinensis, Trema angustifolia and/or Glochidionlanceolaris, and any combination thereof. Erythema can be caused by skinsunburn, electrical treatments of skin, skin burns, contact allergies,systemic allergies, skin toxicity, exercise, insect stings, bacterialinfection, viral infection, fungal infection, protozoa infection,massage, windburn, etc.

In still another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed amethod of treating dry, flaky, or itchy skin or reducing the appearanceof uneven skin tone comprising topically applying a composition to dry,flaky, or itchy skin or to skin having an uneven skin tone, wherein thecomposition includes an extract selected from Ficus tikoua, Polygonumhydropiper, Pistacia chinensis, Zizyphus mauritiana, Garuga forrestii,Michelia figo, Populus davidiana, Sabina chinensis, Cuphea balsamona,Setaria palmifolia, Polygonum lapathifolium, Artemisia parviflora,Camptotheca acuminate, Washingtonia filifera, Machilus longipedicellata,Geranium nepalense, Ipomoea obscura, Cedrus deodara, Quercus aliena,Loropetalum chinensis, carqueja, condurango, catuaba, Carex baccans,Trema angustifolia, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Gnaphaliumpensylvanicum, Lonicera maackii, Tsoongiodendron odorum, Celtissinensis, Cassia siamea, Glochidion lanceolaris, Catalpa yunnanesis,Potamogenton perforliatus, or Cinnamomum japonicum, or any combinationthereof, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33,34, or 35 of said extracts in a single composition; and adermatologically acceptable vehicle. The extracts can be obtained fromthe whole plant (i.e., the entire plant is used to prepare the extract)or from a part of the plant (e.g., leaf, stem, root, flower, seed, sap,bark, etc.). Further, the compositions described throughout thespecification and claims can be used with this method. In particularembodiments, the extract is an extract from Loropetalum chinensis, Tremaangustifolia and/or Glochidion lanceolaris, and any combination thereof.

Also disclosed is a method of reducing the appearance of fine lines orwrinkles comprising topically applying a composition to skin having finelines or wrinkles, wherein the composition includes an extract selectedfrom the group consisting of: Ficus tikoua, Polygonum hydropiper,Pistacia chinensis, Zizyphus mauritiana, Garuga forrestii, Micheliafigo, Populus davidiana, Sabina chinensis, Cuphea balsamona, Setariapalmifolia, Polygonum lapathifolium, Artemisia parviflora, Camptothecaacuminate, Washingtonia filifera, Machilus longipedicellata, Geraniumnepalense, Ipomoea obscura, Cedrus deodara, Quercus aliena, Loropetalumchinensis, carqueja, condurango, catuaba, Carex baccans, Tremaangustifolia, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Gnaphalium pensylvanicum,Lonicera maackii, Tsoongiodendron odorum, Celtis sinensis, Cassiasiamea, Glochidion lanceolaris, Catalpa yunnanesis, Potamogentonperforliatus, or Cinnamomum japonicum, or any combination thereof, or atleast 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19,20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, or 35 ofsaid extracts in a single composition. In particular aspects, theextracts are obtained from the whole plant (i.e., the entire plant isused to prepare the extract) or from a part of the plant (e.g., leaf,stem, root, flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.). The extracts can be aqueousextracts or non-aqueous extracts. The extracts can be extracted withalcohol (e.g., methanol, ethanol propanol, butanol, etc.), glycols,oils, water, etc. In particular embodiments, the extract is an extractfrom Loropetalum chinensis, Trema angustifolia and/or Glochidionlanceolaris, and any combination thereof.

In one embodiment of the present invention there is disclosed a methodof reducing the appearance of symptoms associated with erythema (e.g.,erythemic skin, sensitive skin, inflamed skin) comprising topicallyapplying a composition to erythemic, sensitive, or inflamed skin whereinthe composition includes an extract selected from Ficus tikoua,Polygonum hydropiper, Pistacia chinensis, Zizyphus mauritiana, Garugaforrestii, Michelia figo, Populus davidiana, Sabina chinensis, Cupheabalsamona, Setaria palmifolia, Polygonum lapathifolium, Artemisiaparviflora, Camptotheca acuminate, Washingtonia filifera, Machiluslongipedicellata, Geranium nepalense, Ipomoea obscura, Cedrus deodara,Quercus aliena, Loropetalum chinensis, carqueja, condurango, catuaba,Carex baccans, Trema angustifolia, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens,Gnaphalium pensylvanicum, Lonicera maackii, Tsoongiodendron odorum,Celtis sinensis, Cassia siamea, Glochidion lanceolaris, Catalpayunnanesis, Potamogenton perforliatus, or Cinnamomum japonicum, or anycombination thereof, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30,31, 32, 33, 34, or 35 of said extracts in a single composition; and adermatologically acceptable vehicle, wherein topical application of thecomposition to skin exhibiting symptoms of erythema reduces theappearance of said symptoms. The extracts can be obtained from the wholeplant (i.e., the entire plant is used to prepare the extract) or from apart of the plant (e.g., leaf, stem, root, flower, seed, sap, bark,etc.). In particular embodiments, the extract is an extract fromLoropetalum chinensis, Trema angustifolia and/or Glochidion lanceolaris,and any combination thereof.

In one embodiment of the present invention there is disclosed a methodof reducing pain associated with erythema, sensitive skin, or inflamedskin, comprising topically applying a composition to erythemic,sensitive, or inflamed skin wherein the composition includes an extractselected from the group consisting of: Ficus tikoua, Polygonumhydropiper, Pistacia chinensis, Zizyphus mauritiana, Garuga forrestii,Michelia figo, Populus davidiana, Sabina chinensis, Cuphea balsamona,Setaria palmifolia, Polygonum lapathifolium, Artemisia parviflora,Camptotheca acuminate, Washingtonia filifera, Machilus longipedicellata,Geranium nepalense, Ipomoea obscura, Cedrus deodara, Quercus aliena,Loropetalum chinensis, carqueja, condurango, catuaba, Carex baccans,Trema angustifolia, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Gnaphaliumpensylvanicum, Lonicera maackii, Tsoongiodendron odorum, Celtissinensis, Cassia siamea, Glochidion lanceolaris, Catalpa yunnanesis,Potamogenton perforliatus, or Cinnamomum japonicum, or any combinationthereof, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33,34, or 35 of said extracts in a single composition; and adermatologically acceptable vehicle, wherein topical application of thecomposition to erythemic, sensitive, or inflamed skin reduces the painassociated with erythema, sensitive skin, or inflamed skin. The extractscan be obtained from the whole plant (i.e., the entire plant is used toprepare the extract) or from a part of the plant (e.g., leaf, stem,root, flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.).

In another embodiment there is disclosed a method of treating orpreventing a skin condition comprising topically applying a compositionto skin having a skin condition, wherein the composition includes anextract selected from the group consisting of: Ficus tikoua, Polygonumhydropiper, Pistacia chinensis, Zizyphus mauritiana, Garuga forrestii,Michelia figo, Populus davidiana, Sabina chinensis, Cuphea balsamona,Setaria palmifolia, Polygonum lapathifolium, Artemisia parviflora,Camptotheca acuminate, Washingtonia filifera, Machilus longipedicellata,Geranium nepalense, Ipomoea obscura, Cedrus deodara, Quercus aliena,Loropetalum chinensis, carqueja, condurango, catuaba, Carex baccans,Trema angustifolia, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Gnaphaliumpensylvanicum, Lonicera maackii, Tsoongiodendron odorum, Celtissinensis, Cassia siamea, Glochidion lanceolaris, Catalpa yunnanesis,Potamogenton perforliatus, or Cinnamomum japonicum, or any combinationthereof, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33,34, or 35 of said extracts in a single composition; and adermatologically acceptable vehicle, wherein topical application of thecomposition to the skin condition treats the skin condition. Theextracts can be obtained from the whole plant (i.e., the entire plant isused to prepare the extract) or from a part of the plant (e.g., leaf,stem, root, flower, seed, sap, hark, etc). Further, the compositionsdescribed throughout the specification and claims can be used with thismethod. Non-limiting examples of skin conditions include dry skin, itchyskin, inflamed skin, erythema, sensitive skin, pruritus, spider veins,lentigo, age spots, senile purpura, keratosis, melasma, blotches, finelines or wrinkles, nodules, sun damaged skin, dermatitis (including, butnot limited to seborrheic dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, contactdermatitis, atopic dermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis, perioraldermatitis, and stasis dermatitis), psoriasis, folliculitis, rosacea,acne, impetigo, erysipelas, erythrasma, eczema, sun burns, burned skin,open wounds, skin-inflammatory skin conditions, etc. In certainnon-limiting aspects, the skin condition can be caused by exposure to UVlight, age, irradiation, chronic sun exposure, environmental pollutants,air pollution, wind, cold, heat, chemicals, disease pathologies,smoking, or lack of nutrition. The skin can be facial skin or non-facialskin (e.g., arms, legs, hands, chest, back, feet, etc.). The method canfurther comprise identifying a person in need of skin treatment. Theperson can be a male or female. The age of the person can be at least 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65,70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or more years old, or any range derivabletherein. The method can also include topically applying an amounteffective to: increase the stratum corneum turnover rate of the skin;increase collagen synthesis in fibroblasts; increase cellularanti-oxidant defense mechanisms (e.g., exogenous additions ofanti-oxidants can bolster, replenish, or prevent the loss of cellularantioxidants such as catalase and glutathione in skin cells (e.g.,keratinocytes, melanocytes, langerhans cells, etc.) which will reduce orprevent oxidative damage to the skin, cellular, proteins, and lipids);inhibit melanin production in melanocytes; reduce or prevent oxidativedamage to skin (including reducing the amount lipid peroxides and/orprotein oxidation in the skin). In particular embodiments, the extractis an extract from Loropetalum chinensis, Trema angustifolia and/orGlochidion lanceolaris, and any combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, compositions of the present invention candecrease the amount of internal oxidation and/or external oxidativedamage in a cell. In other aspects, the compositions can increasecollagen synthesis in a cell. The compositions can also reduce skininflammation, such as by reducing inflammatory cytokine production in acell. Non-limiting examples of such cells include human epidermalkeratinocyte, human fibroblast dermal cell, human melanocytes, threedimensional human cell-derived in vitro tissue equivalents comprisinghuman keratinocytes, human fibroblasts, or human melanocytes, or anycombination thereof (e.g., combination of human keratinocytes and humanfibroblasts or a combination of human keratinocytes and humanmelanocytes).

Also disclosed is a method of treating hyperpigmentation comprisingapplying the compositions of the present invention to the skin. Themethod can also comprise identifying a person in need of treatinghyperpigmentation and applying the composition to a portion of the skinexhibiting hyperpigmentation. Additional methods contemplated by theinventors include methods for reducing the appearance of an age spot, askin discoloration, or a freckle, reducing or preventing the appearanceof fine lines or wrinkles in skin, or increasing the firmness of skin byapplying the compositions of the present invention to skin in need ofsuch treatment.

In yet another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed amethod of treating or preventing a wide variety of diseases comprisingadministering to a patient in need of treatment a composition comprisingan extract selected from Ficus tikoua, Polygonum hydropiper, Pistaciachinensis, Zizyphus mauritiana, Garuga forrestii, Michelia figo, Populusdavidiana, Sabina chinensis, Cuphea balsamona, Setaria palmifolia,Polygonum lapathifolium, Artemisia parviflora, Camptotheca acuminate,Washingtonia filifera, Machilus longipedicellata, Geranium nepalense,Ipomoea obscura, Cedrus deodara, Quercus aliena, Loropetalum chinensis,carqueja, condurango, catuaba, Carex baccans, Trema angustifolia,Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Gnaphalium pensylvanicum, Lonicera maackii,Tsoongiodendron odorum, Celtis sinensis, Cassia siamea, Glochidionlanceolaris, Catalpa yunnanesis, Potamogenton perforliatus, orCinnamomum japonicum, or any combination thereof, or at least 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, or 35 of said extractsin a single composition. The extracts can be obtained from the wholeplant (i.e., the entire plant is used to prepare the extract) or from apart of the plant (e.g., leaf, stem, root, flower, seed, sap, bark,etc.). The composition can be formulated as a topical composition, aningestible composition, an injectible composition, an aerosolizedcomposition, etc. Non-limiting examples of diseases that can be treatedor prevented with such compositions include AIDS, autoimmune diseases(e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis,diabetes—insulin-dependent and non-independent, systemic lupuserythematosus and Graves disease), cancer (e.g., malignant, benign,metastatic, precancer), cardiovascular diseases (eg, heart disease orcoronary artery disease, stroke—ischemic and hemorrhagic, and rheumaticheart disease), diseases of the nervous system, and infection bypathogenic microorganisms (e.g., Athlete's Foot, Chickenpox, Commoncold, Diarrheal diseases, Flu, Genital herpes, Malaria, Meningitis,Pneumonia, Sinusitis, Skin diseases, Strep throat, Tuberculosis, Urinarytract infections, Vaginal infections, Viral hepatitis), inflammation(e.g., allergy, asthma), prion diseases (e.g., CJD, kuru, GSS, FFI),obesity, etc.

Also disclosed is a composition comprising an extract of an extract ofFicus tikoua, Polygonum hydropiper, Pistacia chinensis, Zizyphusmauritiana, Garuga forrestii, Michelia figo, Populus davidiana, Sabinachinensis, Cuphea balsamona, Setaria palmifolia, Polygonumlapathifolium, Artemisia parviflora, Camptotheca acuminate, Washingtoniafilifera, Machilus longipedicellata, Geranium nepalense, Ipomoeaobscura, Cedrus deodara, Quercus aliena, Loropetalum chinensis,carqueja, condurango, catuaba, Carex baccans, Trema angustifolia,Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Gnaphalium pensylvanicum, Lonicera maackii,Tsoongiodendron odorum, Celtis sinensis, Cassia siamea, Glochidionlanceolaris, Catalpa yunnanesis, Potamogenton perforliatus, orCinnamomum japonicum, or any combination thereof, or at least 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, or 35 of said extractsin a single composition. The extracts can be obtained from the wholeplant (i.e., the entire plant is used to prepare the extract) or from apart of the plant (e.g., leaf, stem, root, flower, seed, sap, bark,etc.). The composition can be an edible composition. The composition cantake the form of a pill, liquid gel cap, or tablet. The composition canbe an injectable solution (e.g., for intravenous delivery). Thecomposition can be in the form of a neutraceutical. The extract can bean aqueous extract. The aqueous extract can include an alcohol, aglycol, water and/or water. In particular embodiments, the extract is anextract from Loropetalum chinensis, Trema angustifolia and/or Glochidionlanceolaris, and any combination thereof.

In still another embodiment, there is disclosed a multi-purposecomposition comprising: (a) an anti-oxidant selected from an extract ofLoropetalum chinensis, Trema angustifolia, Glochidion lanceolaris, Ficustikoua, Polygonum hydropiper, Pistacia chinensis, Zizyphus mauritiana,Michelia figo, Populus davidiana, Sabina chinensis, Cuphea balsamona,Polygonum lapathifolium, Artemisia parviflora, Washingtonia filifera,Machilus longipedicellata, Geranium nepalense, Ipomoea obscura, Cedrusdeodara, Quercus aliena, Condurango, Catuaba, Carqueja, Chrysalidocarpuslutescens, Gnaphalium pensylvanicum, Tsoongiodendron odorum, Celtissinensis, Cassia siamea, Catalpa yunnanesis, Potamogenton perforliatus,or Cinnamomum japonicum, or any combination thereof; (b) an inhibitor oftyrosinase activity selected from an extract of Loropetalum chinensis,Glochidion lanceolaris, Ficus tikoua, Zizyphus mauritiana, Garugaforrestii, Sabina chinensis, Cuphea balsamona, Setaria palmifolia,Polygonum lapathifolium, Camptotheca acuminate, Washingtonia filifera,Machilus longipedicellata, Geranium nepalense, or Quercus aliena, or anycombination thereof; (c) an inhibitor of elastase activity selected froman extract of Loropetalum chinensis, Trema angustifolia, Carqueja, Ficustikoua, Polygonum hydropiper, Pistacia chinensis, Garuga forrestii,Michelia figo, Populus davidiana, Cuphea balsamona, Setaria palmifolia,Polygonum lapathifolium, Artemisia parviflora, Washingtonia filifera,Machilus longipedicellata, Geranium nepalense, Ipomoea obscura, Cedrusdeodara, Carex baccans, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Gnaphaliumpensylvanicum, Lonicera maakii, Tsoongiodendron odorum, Celtis sinensis,Cassia siamea, or Cinnamomum japonicum, or any combination thereof; (d)an inhibitor of TNF-α activity selected from an extract of Loropetalumchinensis, Glochidion lanceolaris, Carqueja, Polygonum hydropiper,Zizyphus mauritiana, Garuga forrestiii, Michelia figo, Sabina chinensis,Machilus longipedicellata, Ipomoea obscura, Cedrus deodara, Quercusaliena, Condurango, Catuaba, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Loniceramaackii, Tsoongiodendron odorum, Celtis sinensis, or Cinnamomumjaponicum, or any combination thereof; (e) an inhibitor of lipoxygenaseactivity selected from an extract of Glochidion lanceolaris, orCarqueja, or both; (f) an inhibitor of COX 1 and/or 2 activity selectedfrom an extract of Glochidion lanceolaris, or Catuaba, or both; and/or(g) an inhibitor of MMP 1 and/or 3 activity selected from an extract ofTrema angustifolia, Carqueja, Condurango, or Catuaba, or any combinationthereof. In certain aspects, the composition includes: (a) ananti-oxidant selected from an extract of Loropetalum chinensis, Tremaangustifolia, or Glochidion lanceolaris; (b) an inhibitor of tyrosinaseactivity selected from an extract of Loropetalum chinensis, orGlochidion lanceolaris; (c) an inhibitor of elastase activity selectedfrom an extract of Loropetalum chinensis, Trema angustifolia, orCarqueja; (d) an inhibitor of TNF-α activity selected from an extract ofLoropetalum chinensis, Glochidion lanceolaris, or Carqueja; (e) aninhibitor of lipoxygenase activity selected from an extract ofGlochidion lanceolaris, or Carqueja; (f) an inhibitor of COX 1 and/or 2activity selected from an extract of Glochidion lanceolaris, or Catuaba;and (g) an inhibitor of MMP 1 and/or 3 activity selected from an extractof Trema angustifolia, Carqueja, Condurango, or Catuaba. The compositioncan be a topical skin composition, which can include a dermatologicallyacceptable vehicle. Given its multi-purpose, it can treat or prevent awide variety of skin conditions associated with oxidation of skin,tyrosinase activity in skin cells, elastase activity in skin cells,TNF-α activity in skin cells, lipoxygenase activity in skin cells, COX 1activity in skin cells, COX 2 activity in skin cells, MMP 1 activity inskin cells, and MMP 3 activity in skin cells. The composition can be anedible composition. The composition can take the form of a pill, liquidgel cap, or tablet. The composition can be an injectable solution (e.g.,for intravenous delivery). The composition can be in the form of aneutraceutical. The extract can be an aqueous extract. The aqueousextract can include an alcohol, a glycol, water and/or water. Theextracts can be obtained from the whole plant (i.e., the entire plant isused to prepare the extract) or from a part of the plant (e.g., leaf,stem, root, flower, seed, sap, bark, etc.).

Kits that include the compositions of the present invention are alsocontemplated. In certain embodiments, the composition is comprised in acontainer. The container can be a bottle, dispenser, or package. Thecontainer can dispense a pre-determined amount of the composition. Incertain aspects, the compositions is dispensed in a spray, dollop, orliquid. The container can include indicia on its surface. The indiciacan be a word, an abbreviation, a picture, or a symbol.

Also contemplated is a product comprising a composition of the presentinvention. In non-limiting aspects, the product can be a cosmeticproduct. The cosmetic product can be those described in other sectionsof this specification or those known to a person of skill in the art.Non-limiting examples of products include a moisturizer, a cream, alotion, a skin softener, a foundation, a night cream, a lipstick, acleanser, a toner, a sunscreen, a mask, an anti-aging product, adeodorant, an antiperspirant, a perfume, a cologne, etc.

It is also contemplated that compositions of the present invention canbe included into food-based products (e.g., beverages, fortified water,energy drinks, nutritional drinks, solid foods, vitamins, supplements,etc.) and pharmaceutical products (e.g., pills, tablets, gel capsules,injectible solutions, drugs, etc.). “Supplements” can include vitamins,minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes andmetabolites. Such supplements are suitable for oral consumption and canbe administered orally.

It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed in this specificationcan be implemented with respect to any method or composition of theinvention, and vice versa. Furthermore, compositions of the inventioncan be used to achieve methods of the invention.

In one embodiment, the topical skin compositions of the currentinvention are pharmaceutically elegant. “Pharmaceutically elegant”describes a composition that has particular tactile properties whichfeel pleasant on the skin (e.g., compositions that are not too watery orgreasy, compositions that have a silky texture, compositions that arenon-tacky or sticky, etc.). Pharmaceutically elegant can also relate tothe creaminess or lubricity properties of the composition or to themoisture retaining properties of the composition.

“Keratinous tissue” includes keratin-containing layers disposed as theoutermost protective covering of mammals and includes, but is notlimited to, skin, hair and nails.

“Topical application” means to apply or spread a composition onto thesurface of keratinous tissue. “Topical skin composition” includescompositions suitable for topical application on keratinous tissue. Suchcompositions are typically dermatologically-acceptable in that they donot have undue toxicity, incompatibility, instability, allergicresponse, and the like, when applied to skin. Topical skin carecompositions of the present invention can have a selected viscosity toavoid significant dripping or pooling after application to skin.

The term “about” or “approximately” are defined as being close to asunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limitingembodiment the terms are defined to be within 10%, preferably within 5%,more preferably within 1%, and most preferably within 0.5%.

The terms “inhibiting” or “reducing” or any variation of these terms,when used in the claims and/or the specification includes any measurabledecrease or complete inhibition to achieve a desired result.

The term “effective,” as that term is used in the specification and/orclaims, means adequate to accomplish a desired, expected, or intendedresult.

The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term“comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” butit is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,”and “one or more than one.”

The words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise”and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and“has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “includes” and“include”) or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as“contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not excludeadditional, unrecited elements or method steps.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description. It should beunderstood, however, that the detailed description and the examples,while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by wayof illustration only. Additionally, it is contemplated that changes andmodifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings form part of the present specification and areincluded to further demonstrate certain aspects of the presentinvention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one ormore of these drawings in combination with the detailed description ofspecific embodiments presented below.

FIG. 1. Extraction process used to obtain extracts from each of thefollowing plants: Ficus tikoua, Polygonum hydropiper, Pistaciachinensis, Zizyphus mauritiana, Garuga forrestii, Michelia figo, Populusdavidiana, Sabina chinensis, Cuphea balsamona, Setaria palmifolia,Polygonum lapathifolium, Artemisia parviflora, Camptotheca acuminate,Washingtonia filifera, Machilus longipedicellata, Geranium nepalense,Ipomoea obscura, Cedrus deodara, Quercus aliena, Loropetalum chinensis,carqueja, condurango, catuaba, Carex baccans, Trema angustifolia,Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Gnaphalium pensylvanicum, Lonicera maackii,Tsoongiodendron odorum, Celtis sinensis, Cassia siamea, Glochidionlanceolaris, Catalpa yunnanesis, Potamogenton perforliatus, andCinnamomum japonicum.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In today's image conscious society, people are continually looking for aproduct that can improve the visual appearance of their skin. Oftentimes, aged skin, uneven skin tone, or skin damaged by environmentalfactors such as UV light, chronic sun exposure, environmentalpollutants, chemicals, disease pathologies, or smoking, is associatedwith unattractive skin. Previous attempts to improve the visualappearance of skin has been shown to have various drawbacks such as skinirritation and prolonged recovery periods.

The present invention is an effective alternative to the use ofcompositions and ingredients currently used to treat aged skin,environmentally-damaged skin, uneven skin tone, and other skinconditions. In one non-limiting embodiment, the compositions of thepresent invention can be used to treat irritation of the skin and toimprove the skin's visual appearance, physiological functions, clinicalproperties, or biophysical properties by providing a composition of thepresent invention to an area of the skin that needs such treatment. Asnoted throughout this specification, the compositions can include anyone of Loropetalum chinensis, Camptotheca acuminate, Lonicera maackii,Washingtonia filifera, Artemisia parviflora, Glochidion lanceolaris,Polygonum hydropiper, Populus davidiana, Tsoongiodendron odorum, Tremaangustifolia, Ficus tikoua, Pistacia chinensis, Zizyphus mauritiana,Garuga forrestii, Michelia figo, Sabina chinensis, Cuphea balsamona,Setaria palmifolia, Polygonum lapathifolium, Machilus longipedicellata,Geranium nepalense, Ipomoea obscura, Cedrus deodara, Quercus aliena,Carqueja, Condurango, Catuaba, Carex baccans, Chrysalidocarpuslutescens, Gnaphalium pensylvanicum, Celtis sinensis, Cassia siamea,Catalpa yunnanesis, Potamogenton perforliatus, Cinnamomum japonicum, orany combination thereof, or all of such extracts, or at least 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, or 35 of such extracts.

These and other non-limiting aspects of the present invention aredescribed in further detail below.

A. Extracts

1. Camptotheca Acuminate Extract

Camptotheca acuminate, also known as the Happy Tree, is a medium-sizeddeciduous tree. It belongs to the Nyssaceae family, and is native toChina and Tibet.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Camptotheca acuminatehave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeinhibition of inflammatory mediators to reduce skin irritation andsynthesis of extracellular matrix proteins to promote a more youthfulappearance of skin. All of the different portions of Camptothecaacuminate can be used to obtain the corresponding extract. Non-limitingexamples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers orflower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

2. Loropetalum Chinensis Extract

Loropetalum chinensis, also known as the Chinese fringe flower orChinese Witch-hazel, is an evergreen shrub. It belongs to theHammamelidaceae family and is native to China, Japan, and the Himalayas.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Loropetalum chinensishave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeinhibition of inflammatory mediators to reduce skin irritation andsynthesis of extracellular matrix proteins to promote a more youthfulappearance of skin. All of the different portions of Loropetalumchinensis can be used to obtain the corresponding extract. Non-limitingexamples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers orflower buds, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

3. Chrysalidocarpus Lutscens Extract

Chrysalidocarpus lutescens is also known as the areca palm, golden canepalm, or the Madagascar palm. It is a member of the Arecacea family andis native to the tropics and the sub-tropic regions/zones of the world.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Chrysalidocarpuslutescens have several biological activities, which can be beneficial toskin. Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activitiesinclude inhibition of inflammatory mediators to reduce skin irritationand synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins to promote a moreyouthful appearance of skin. All of the different portions ofChrysalidocarpus lutescens can be used to obtain the correspondingextract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots,flowers or flower buds, fruit, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

4. Potamogenton Perforliatus Extract

Potamogenton perforliatus, also known as claspingleaf pondweed, is anaquatic plant. It is a member of the Potamogetonaceae family and isnative to the United States and Europe.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Potamogenton perforliatushave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeinhibition of inflammatory mediators to reduce skin irritation andsynthesis of extracellular matrix proteins to promote a more youthfulappearance of skin. All of the different portions of Potamogentonperforliatus can be used to obtain the corresponding extract.Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, flowers orflower buds, fruit, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

5. Trema Angustifolia Extract

Trema angustifolia is a member of the Ulmaceae family and is native toparts of Asia. Trema angustifolia is a shrub or small tree that has darkgreen leaves, and Trema species are fast-growing pioneer trees thatcontain economically important alkaloids.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Trema angustifolia haveseveral biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeinhibition of inflammatory mediators to reduce skin irritation andsynthesis of extracellular matrix proteins to promote a more youthfulappearance of skin. All of the different portions of Trema angustifoliacan be used to obtain the corresponding extract. Non-limiting examplesinclude its leaves, stems, bark, roots, flowers or flower buds, fruit,seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

6. Glochidion Lanceolaris Extract

Glochidion lanceolaris, also known as ai jiao suan pan zi, is anevergreen shrub or tree. It is a member of the Phyllanthceae family andis native to Southern Asia.

The inventors have discovered that extracts of Glochidion lanceolarishave several biological activities, which can be beneficial to skin.Non-limiting examples of some of these biological activities includeinhibition of inflammatory mediators to reduce skin irritation andsynthesis of extracellular matrix proteins to promote a more youthfulappearance of skin. All of the different portions of Glochidionlanceolaris can be used to obtain the corresponding extract.Non-limiting examples include its leaves, stems, bark, roots, flowers orflower buds, fruit, seeds, sap, and the entire plant.

7. Remaining Extracts

Ficus tikoua is a woody vine. It belongs to the Moraceae family and isnative to India, Laos, and North Vietnam.

Polygonum hydropiper, also known as water pepper or knotweed, is aflowering plant. It belongs to the Polygonaceae or buckwheat family andis native to Eurasia.

Pistacia chinensis, also known as the Chinese Pistache, is a small tomedium-sized tree. It belongs to the Anacardiaceae family and is nativeto central and western China.

Zizyphus mauritiana, also known as the Indian Jujube, is a tropicalfruit tree. It belongs to the Rhamnaceae family and is native tosouthern Asia, and mainly India.

Garuga forrestii, also known as Garuga yunnanensis, is a tree. Itbelongs to the Burseraceae family and is native to India.

Michelia figo, also known as the Banana Shrub or Port Wine Magnolia, isa an evergreen tree or hedge. It belongs to the Magnoliaceae family andis native to China.

Populus davidiana, also known as the Korean Aspen or the Chinese Aspen,is a deciduous flowering plant. It belongs to the Populus genus and theSaliaceae family. It is native to the Northern Hemisphere.

Sabina chinensis, also known as Chinese Juniper, is a evergreen creepingshrub, shrub, or tree. It belongs to the Juniperus genus and theCupressaceae family. It is native to China.

Cuphea balsamona is also known as Columbian Waxweed. It belongs to theLythrum genus and the Lythraceae or the Myrtales family.

Setaria palmifolia is also known as palm grass. It belongs to thePoaceae or Gramineae family and is native to parts of temperate andtropical Asia.

Polygonum lapathifolium, also known as curlytop knotweed, is an annualplant. It belongs to the Polygonaceae, or Buckwheat, family and isnative to Europe.

Artemisia parviflora is also known as Artemisia japonica. It belongs tothe Asteraceae or Compositae family and is native to Asia, includingIndia.

Washingtonia filifera, also known as Desert Fan Palm, is a palm. Itbelongs to the Arecaceae or Palmaceae family and is native to Arizona,Nev., northwest Mexico, and the inland deserts of southern California.

Machilus longipedicellata is also known as Machilus yannanensis. Itbelongs to the Lauraceae, or Laurel, family and is native to India.

Geranium nepalense, also known as Nepalese Crane's Bill, is a dicot. Itbelongs to the Geraniaceae family and is native to China, Japan, andTaiwan.

Ipomoea obscura, also known as obscure morning glory, is a floweringvine. It belongs to the Polemoniales order and the Convolvulaceae familyand is native to tropical East Africa, tropical Asia, throughoutMalaysia to northern Australia and Fiji.

Cedrus deodara, also known as the Deodar Cedar or the Himalayan Cedar,is a large evergreen coniferous tree. It belongs to the Pinaceae, orpine, family and is native to the western Himalayas in easternAfghanistan, northern Pakistan, north-central India, southwesternmostTibet and western Nepal.

Quercus aliena, also known as the Oriental White Oak, is a deciduoustree. It belongs to the Fagaceae, or beech, family and is native toEastern Asia.

Carqueja, or Baccharis genistelloides, is a shrub-like perennial greenplant that grows in many terrains of South America. Carqueja is a memberof the Asteraceae family.

Condurango, or Marsdenia cundurango, is a tropical woody vine that isfound in the high mountain jungles and cloud forests of South America.Condurango is a member of the Apocynaceae and Asclepiadaceae families.

Catuaba, or Erythroxylum catuaba or Juniperus Brasiliensis, is a smalltree that is found in the northern part of Brazil. Catuaba is a memberof the Erythroxylaceae family.

Carex baccan is a member of the Cyperaceae family and is native to Asia.The plant has bright, shiny seed heads, and produces dark green leaves.

Gnaphalium pensylvanicum is a member of the Asteraceae family. It hasalternate leaves with no leaf stalk.

Lonicera maackii, also known as the Amur Honeysuckle or BushHoneysuckle, is a deciduous large shrub. It is a species of honeysucklein the family Caprifoliaceae and is native to temperate Asia.

Tsoongiodendron odorum, also known as Michelia odora, is an evergreentree. It is a member of the Magnoliaceae family and is native to partsof Asia.

Celtis sinensis, also known as the Japanese Hackberry, is a deciduoustree. It is a member of the Ulaceae (elm) family and is native toEastern Asia.

Cassia siamea, also known as Senna siamea or the Kassod tree, is a fastgrowing evergreen tree. It is a member of the Fabaceae or Leguminosaefamily and is native to Southeast Asia.

Catalpa yunnanesis is a member of the Bignonianceae family and is nativeto Eastern Asia.

Cinnamomum japonicum, also known as Japanese Cinnamon, is an evergreentree. It is a member of the Lauraceae family and is native to Korea,Japan, and Taiwan.

The inventors have discovered that all of these extracts have severalbiological activities, which can be beneficial to skin. Non-limitingexamples of some of these biological activities include inhibition ofinflammatory mediators to reduce skin irritation and synthesis ofextracellular matrix proteins to promote a more youthful appearance ofskin. All of the different portions of the plants can be used to obtainthe corresponding extract. Non-limiting examples include its leaves,stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, sap, and theentire plant.

8. Extraction Methods

In addition to the extraction process described in FIG. 1, a person ofordinary skill in the art would be able to isolate any one of theextracts identified above from parts of the corresponding plant by usingany suitable method known in the art. In one non-limiting example, theplant (or any part of the plant such as the leaves, stems, bark, roots,fruit, flowers or flower buds, seeds, seed pods, sap, whole plant, etc.)can be disrupted by mechanical means which results in a puree. The pureeis then processed to be substantially free of impurities or undesiredsolids. The puree can then be poured into a shallow vessel and quicklyexposed to low temperature, i.e., flash frozen, for example at −20° C.or lower, preferably under a vacuum for removal of water content(lyophilization). The resultant extract can then be used in thecompositions of the present invention.

In other aspects, aqueous, alcoholic, or oil based extractiontechniques, or combinations thereof, can be used on the whole plant orany part thereof of (e.g., leaves, stems, bark, roots, fruit, flowers orflower buds, seeds, seed pods, sap, whole plant, etc.) to produce anextract. In such a process, the desired part of the plant or the wholeplant is crushed up (e.g., blender) and then subjected to a desiredsolvent (e.g., water, alcohol, water/alcohol, or oil based solvents) toobtain the desired extract. The extract can then be stored in liquidform, lyophilized, or subject to further processing techniques (e.g.,heating, cooling, etc.). Extraction processes are well-known to thosehaving ordinary skill in the extract field (e.g., maceration, infusion,percolation, digestion, decoction, hot continuous extraction,aqueous-alcoholic extract, counter current extract, microwave assistedextraction, ultrasound extraction, supercritical fluid extracts,phytonic extract (e.g., with hydro-fluoro-carbon solvents), etc.

B. Compositions of the Present Invention

1. Combinations and Amounts of Ingredients

It is contemplated that the compositions of the present invention caninclude any one of Loropetalum chinensis, Camptotheca acuminate,Lonicera maackii, Washingtonia filifera, Artemisia parviflora,Glochidion lanceolaris, Polygonum hydropiper, Populus davidiana,Tsoongiodendron odorum, Trema angustifolia, Ficus tikoua, Pistaciachinensis, Zizyphus mauritiana, Garuga forrestii, Michelia figo, Sabinachinensis, Cuphea balsamona, Setaria palmifolia, Polygonumlapathifolium, Machilus longipedicellata, Geranium nepalense, Ipomoeaobscura, Cedrus deodara, Quercus aliena, Carqueja, Condurango, Catuaba,Carex baccans, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Gnaphalium pensylvanicum,Celtis sinensis, Cassia siamea, Catalpa yunnanesis, Potamogentonperforliatus, Cinnamomum japonicum, or any combination thereof, or allof such extracts, or at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31,32, 33, 34, or 35 of such extracts. The compositions can also includeadditional ingredients described throughout this specification. Theconcentrations of the plant extracts and/or additional ingredients canvary. In non-limiting embodiments, for example, the compositions caninclude in their final form, for example, at least about 0.0001%,0.0002%, 0.0003%, 0.0004%, 0.0005%, 0.0006%, 0.0007%, 0.0008%, 0.0009%,0.0010%, 0.0011%, 0.0012%, 0.0013%, 0.0014%, 0.0015%, 0.0016%, 0.0017%,0.0018%, 0.0019%, 0.0020%, 0.0021%, 0.0022%, 0.0023%, 0.0024%, 0.0025%,0.0026%, 0.0027%, 0.0028%, 0.0029%, 0.0030%, 0.0031%, 0.0032%, 0.0033%,0.0034%, 0.0035%, 0.0036%, 0.0037%, 0.0038%, 0.0039%, 0.0040%, 0.0041%,0.0042%, 0.0043%, 0.0044%, 0.0045%, 0.0016%, 0.0017%, 0.0048%, 0.0049%,0.0050%, 0.0051%, 0.0052%, 0.0053%, 0.0054%, 0.0055%, 0.0056%, 0.0057%,0.0058%, 0.0059%, 0.0060%, 0.0061%, 0.0062%, 0.0063%, 0.0064%, 0.0065%,0.0066%, 0.0067%, 0.0068%, 0.0069%, 0.0070%, 0.0071%, 0.0072%, 0.0073%,0.0074%, 0.0075%, 0.0076%, 0.0077%, 0.0078%, 0.0079%, 0.0080%, 0.0081%,0.0082%, 0.0083%, 0.0084%, 0.0085%, 0.0086%, 0.0087%, 0.0088%, 0.0089%,0.0090%, 0.0091%, 0.0092%, 0.0093%, 0.0094%, 0.0095%, 0.0096%, 0.0097%,0.0098%, 0.0099%, 0.0100%, 0.0200%, 0.0250%, 0.0275%, 0.0300%, 0.0325%,0.0350%, 0.0375%, 0.0400%, 0.0425%, 0.0450%, 0.0475%, 0.0500%, 0.0525%,0.0550%, 0.0575%, 0.0600%, 0.0625%, 0.0650%, 0.0675%, 0.0700%, 0.0725%,0.0750%, 0.0775%, 0.0800%, 0.0825%, 0.0850%, 0.0875%, 0.0900%, 0.0925%,0.0950%, 0.0975%, 0.1000%, 0.1250%, 0.1500%, 0.1750%, 0.2000%, 0.2250%,0.2500%, 0.2750%, 0.3000%, 0.3250%, 0.3500%, 0.3750%, 0.4000%, 0.4250%,0.4500%, 0.4750%, 0.5000%, 0.5250%, 0.550%, 0.5750%, 0.6000%, 0.6250%,0.6500%, 0.6750%, 0.7000%, 0.7250%, 0.7500%, 0.7750%, 0.8000%, 0.8250%,0.8500%, 0.8750%, 0.9000%, 0.9250%, 0.9500%, 0.9750%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%,1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9%, 2.0%, 2.1%, 2.2%, 2.3%, 2.4%,2.5%, 2.6%, 2.7%, 2.8%, 2.9%, 3.0%, 3.1%, 3.2%, 3.3%, 3.4%, 3.5%, 3.6%,3.7%, 3.8%, 3.9%, 4.0%, 4.1%, 4.2%, 4.3%, 4.4%, 4.5%, 4.6%, 4.7%, 4.8%,4.9%, 5.0%, 5.1%, 5.2%, 5.3%, 5.4%, 5.5%, 5.6%, 5.7%, 5.8%, 5.9%, 6.0%,6.1%, 6.2%, 6.3%, 6.4%, 6.5%, 6.6%, 6.7%, 6.8%, 6.9%, 7.0%, 7.1%, 7.2%,7.3%, 7.4%, 7.5%, 7.6%, 7.7%, 7.8%, 7.9%, 8.0%, 8.1%, 8.2%, 8.3%, 8.4%,8.5%, 8.6%, 8.7%, 8.8%, 8.9%, 9.0%, 9.1%, 9.2%, 9.3%, 9.4%, 9.5%, 9.6%,9.7%, 9.8%, 9.9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%,21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%,60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 99% or more, or any range orinteger derivable therein, of at least one of the plant extractsidentified in this specification or any combination thereof oradditional ingredients. In non-limiting aspects, the percentage of suchingredients can be calculated by weight or volume of the total weight ofthe compositions. The concentrations can vary depending on the desiredeffect of the compositions or on the product into which the compositionsare incorporated.

2. Composition Vehicles

The compositions of the present invention can be formulated into alltypes of vehicles. Non-limiting examples of suitable vehicles includeemulsions (e.g., oil-in-water, water-in-oil, silicone-in-water,water-in-silicone, water-in-oil-in-water, oil-in-water,oil-in-water-in-oil, oil-in-water-in-silicone, etc.), creams, lotions,solutions (both aqueous and hydro-alcoholic), anhydrous bases (such aslipsticks and powders), gels, ointments, pastes, milks, liquids,aerosols, solid forms, or eye jellies. Variations and other appropriatevehicles will be apparent to the skilled artisan and are appropriate foruse in the present invention. In certain aspects, the concentrations andcombinations of the ingredients can be selected in such a way that thecombinations are chemically compatible and do not form complexes whichprecipitate from the finished product.

It is also contemplated that the plant extracts and additionalingredients identified throughout this specification can be encapsulatedfor delivery to a target area such as skin. Non-limiting examples ofencapsulation techniques include the use of liposomes, vesicles, and/ornanoparticles (e.g., biodegradable and non-biodegradable colloidalparticles comprising polymeric materials in which the ingredient istrapped, encapsulated, and/or absorbed—examples include nanospheres andnanocapsules) that can be used as delivery vehicles to deliver suchingredients to skin (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,398; U.S. Pat. No.6,203,802; U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,744; Kreuter 1988).

Also contemplated are pharmaceutically-acceptable orpharmacologically-acceptable compositions. The phrase“pharmaceutically-acceptable” or “pharmacologically-acceptable” includescompositions that do not produce an allergic or similar untowardreaction when administered to a human. Typically, such compositions areprepared either as topical compositions, liquid solutions orsuspensions, solid forms suitable for solution in, or suspension in,liquid prior to use can also be prepared. Routes of administration canvary with the location and nature of the condition to be treated, andinclude, e.g., topical, inhalation, intradermal, transdermal,parenteral, intravenous, intramuscular, intranasal, subcutaneous,percutaneous, intratracheal, intraperitoneal, intratumoral, perfusion,lavage, direct injection (e.g., an injectable solution), and oraladministration and formulation (e.g., tablets, capsules, etc.).

3. Products

The compositions of the present invention can be incorporated intoproducts. Non-limiting examples of products include cosmetic products,food-based products (e.g., fortified water, energy drinks, nutritionaldrinks, vitamins, supplements, solid foods), pharmaceutical products,etc. By way of example only, non-limiting cosmetic products includesunscreen products, sunless skin tanning products, hair products (e.g.,shampoos, conditioners, colorants, dyes, bleaches, straighteners, andpermanent wave products), fingernail products, moisturizing creams, skincreams and lotions, softeners, day lotions, gels, ointments,foundations, night creams, lipsticks and lip balms, cleansers, toners,masks, deodorants, antiperspirants, exfoliating compositions,shaving-related products (e.g., creams, “bracers” and aftershaves),pre-moistened wipes and washcloths, tanning lotions, bath products suchas oils, foot care products such as powders and sprays, skin colorantand make-up products such as foundations, blushes, rouges eye shadowsand lines, lip colors and mascaras, baby products (e.g., baby lotions,oils, shampoos, powders and wet wipes), and skin or facial peelproducts. Additionally, the cosmetic products can be formulated asleave-on or rinse-off products.

4. Additional Ingredients

Compositions of the present invention can include additionalingredients. Non-limiting examples of additional ingredients includecosmetic ingredients (both active and non-active) and pharmaceuticalingredients (both active and non-active).

a. Cosmetic Ingredients

The CTFA International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook(2008), 12^(th) Edition, describes a wide variety of non-limitingcosmetic ingredients that can be used in the context of the presentinvention. Examples of these ingredient classes include: fragrances(artificial and natural), dyes and color ingredients (e.g., Blue 1, Blue1 Lake, Red 40, titanium dioxide, D&C blue no. 4, D&C green no. 5, D&Corange no. 4, D&C red no. 17, D&C red no. 33, D&C violet no. 2, D&Cyellow no. 10, and D&C yellow no. 11), adsorbents, emulsifiers,stabilizers, lubricants, solvents, moisturizers (including, e.g.,emollients, humectants, film formers, occlusive agents, and agents thataffect the natural moisturization mechanisms of the skin),water-repellants, UV absorbers (physical and chemical absorbers such asparaminobenzoic acid (“PABA”) and corresponding PABA derivatives,titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, etc.), essential oils, vitamins (e.g., A,B, C, D, E, and K), trace metals (e.g., zinc, calcium and selenium),anti-irritants (e.g., steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories),botanical extracts (e.g., aloe vera, chamomile, cucumber extract, ginkgobiloba, ginseng, and rosemary), anti-microbial agents, antioxidants(e.g., BHT and tocopherol), chelating agents (e.g., clisodium EDTA andtetrasodium EDTA), preservatives (e.g., methylparaben andpropylparaben), pH adjusters (e.g., sodium hydroxide and citric acid),absorbents (e.g., aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, kaolin, corn starch,oat starch, cyclodextrin, talc, and zeolite), skin bleaching andlightening agents (e.g., hydroquinone and niacinamide lactate),humectants (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentyleneglycol, sorbitol, urea, and manitol), exfoliants (e.g.,alpha-hydroxyacids, and beta-hydroxyacids such as lactic acid, glycolicacid, and salicylic acid; and salts thereof) waterproofing agents (e.g.,magnesium/aluminum hydroxide stearate), skin conditioning agents (e.g.,aloe extracts, allantoin, bisabolol, ceramides, dimethicone, hyaluronicacid, and dipotassium glycyrrhizate), thickening agents (e.g.,substances which that can increase the viscosity of a composition suchas carboxylic acid polymers, crosslinked polyacrylate polymers,polyacrylamide polymers, polysaccharides, and gums), and siliconecontaining compounds (e.g., silicone oils and polyorganosiloxanes). Thefollowing provides specific non-limiting examples of some of theadditional ingredients that can be used with the compositions of thepresent invention.

i. Sunscreen Agents

UV absorption agents that can be used in combination with thecompositions of the present invention include chemical and physicalsunblocks. Non-limiting examples of chemical sunblocks that can be usedinclude para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), PABA esters (glyceryl PABA,amyldimethyl PABA and octyldimethyl PABA), butyl PABA, ethyl PABA, ethyldihydroxypropyl PABA, benzophenones (oxybenzone, sulisobenzone,benzophenone, and benzophenone-1 through 12), cinnamates (octylmethoxycinnamate, isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate, octylmethoxy cinnamate,cinoxate, diisopropyl methyl cinnamate, DEA-methoxycinnamate, ethyldiisopropylcinnamate, glyceryl octanoate dimethoxycinnamate and ethylmethoxycinnamate), cinnamate esters, salicylates (homomethyl salicylate,benzyl salicylate, glycol salicylate, isopropylbenzyl salicylate, etc.),anthranilates, ethyl urocanate, homosalate, octisalate, dibenzoylmethanederivatives (e.g., avobenzone), octocrylene, octyl triazone, digalloytrioleate, glyceryl aminobenzoate, lawsone with dihydroxyacetone,ethylhexyl triazone, dioctyl butamido triazone, benzylidene malonatepolysiloxane, terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid, disodium phenyldibenzimidazole tetrasulfonate, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexylbenzoate, bis diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl benzoate, bisbenzoxazoylphenyl ethylhexylimino triazine, drometrizole trisiloxane,methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, andbis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyltriazine,4-methylbenzylidenecamphor, and isopentyl 4-methoxycinnamate.Non-limiting examples of physical sunblocks include, kaolin, talc,petrolatum and metal oxides (e.g., titanium dioxide and zinc oxide).Compositions of the present invention can have UVA and UVB absorptionproperties. The compositions can have an sun protection factor (SPF) of2, 3, 4, 56, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45,50, 55, 60, 70, 80, 90 or more, or any integer or derivative therein.

ii. Moisturizing Agents

Non-limiting examples of moisturizing agents that can be used with thecompositions of the present invention include amino acids, chondroitinsulfate, diglycerin, erythritol, fructose, glucose, glycerin, glycerolpolymers, glycol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, honey, hyaluronic acid,hydrogenated honey, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, inositol, lactitol,maltitol, maltose, mannitol, natural moisturizing factor, PEG-15butanediol, polyglyceryl sorbitol, salts of pyrollidone carboxylic acid,potassium PCA, propylene glycol, sodium glucuronate, sodium PCA,sorbitol, sucrose, trehalose, urea, and xylitol.

Other examples include acetylated lanolin, acetylated lanolin alcohol,acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, acrylates copolymer,alanine, algae extract, aloe barbadensis, aloe-barbadensis extract, aloebarbadensis gel, althea officinalis extract, aluminum starchoctenylsuccinate, aluminum stearate, apricot (prunus armeniaca) kerneloil, arginine, arginine aspartate, arnica montana extract, ascorbicacid, ascorbyl palmitate, aspartic acid, avocado (persea gratissima)oil, barium sulfate, barrier sphingolipids, butyl alcohol, beeswax,behenyl alcohol, beta-sitosterol, BHT, birch (betula alba) bark extract,borage (borago officinalis) extract, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol,butcherbroom (ruscus aculeatus) extract, butylene glycol, calendulaofficinalis extract, calendula officinalis oil, candelilla (euphorbiacerifera) wax, canola oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride, cardamon(elettaria cardamomum) oil, carnauba (copernicia cerifera) wax,carrageenan (chondrus crispus), carrot (daucus carota sativa) oil,castor (ricinus communis) oil, ceramides, ceresin, ceteareth-5,ceteareth-12, ceteareth-20, cetearyl octanoate, ceteth-20, ceteth-24,cetyl acetate, cetyl octanoate, cetyl palmitate, chamomile (anthemisnobilis) oil, cholesterol, cholesterol esters, cholesterylhydroxystearate, citric acid, clary (salvia sclarea) oil, cocoa(theobroma cacao) butter, coco-caprylate/caprate, coconut (cocosnucifera) oil, collagen, collagen amino acids, corn (zea mays) oil,fatty acids, decyl oleate, dextrin, diazolidinyl urea, dimethiconecopolyol, dimethiconol, dioctyl adipate, dioctyl succinate,dipentaerythrityl hexacaprylate/hexacaprate, DMDM hydantoin, DNA,erythritol, ethoxydiglycol, ethyl linoleate, eucalyptus globulus oil,evening primrose (oenothera biennis) oil, fatty acids, tructose,gelatin, geranium maculatum oil, glucosamine, glucose glutamate,glutamic acid, glycereth-26, glycerin, glycerol, glyceryl distearate,glyceryl hydroxystearate, glyceryl laurate, glyceryl linoleate, glycerylmyristate, glyceryl oleate, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl stearate SE,glycine, glycol stearate, glycol stearate SE, glycosaminoglycans, grape(vitis vinifera) seed oil, hazel (corylus americana) nut oil, hazel(corylus avellana) nut oil, hexylene glycol, honey, hyaluronic acid,hybrid safflower (carthamus tinctorius) oil, hydrogenated castor oil,hydrogenated coco-glycerides, hydrogenated coconut oil, hydrogenatedlanolin, hydrogenated lecithin, hydrogenated palm glyceride,hydrogenated palm kernel oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, hydrogenatedtallow glyceride, hydrogenated vegetable oil, hydrolyzed collagen,hydrolyzed elastin, hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans, hydrolyzed keratin,hydrolyzed soy protein, hydroxylated lanolin, hydroxyproline,imidazolidinyl urea, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, isocetyl stearate,isocetyl stearoyl stearate, isodecyl oleate, isopropyl isostearate,isopropyl lanolate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropylstearate, isostearamide DEA, isostearic acid, isostearyl lactate,isostearyl neopentanoate, jasmine (jasminum officinale) oil, jojoba(buxus chinensis) oil, kelp, kukui (aleurites moluccana) nut oil,lactamide MEA, laneth-16, laneth-10 acetate, lanolin, lanolin acid,lanolin alcohol, lanolin oil, lanolin wax, lavender (lavandulaangustifolia) oil, lecithin, lemon (citrus medica limonum) oil, linoleicacid, linolenic acid, macadamia ternifolia nut oil, magnesium stearate,magnesium sulfate, maltitol, matricaria (chamomilla recutita) oil,methyl glucose sesquistearate, methylsilanol PCA, microcrystalline wax,mineral oil, mink oil, mortierella oil, myristyl lactate, myristylmyristate, myristyl propionate, neopentyl glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate,octyldodecanol, octyldodecyl myristate, octyldodecyl stearoyl stearate,octyl hydroxystearate, octyl palmitate, octyl salicylate, octylstearate, oleic acid, olive (olea europaea) oil, orange (citrusaurantium dulcis) oil, palm (elaeis guineensis) oil, palmitic acid,pantethine, panthenol, panthenyl ethyl ether, paraffin, PCA, peach(prunus persica) kernel oil, peanut (arachis hypogaea) oil, PEG-8 C12-18ester, PEG-15 cocamine, PEG-150 distearate, PEG-60 glyceryl isostearate,PEG-5 glyceryl stearate, PEG-30 glyceryl stearate, PEG-7 hydrogenatedcastor oil, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-60 hydrogenated castoroil, PEG-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate, PEG40 sorbitan peroleate,PEG-5 soy sterol, PEG-10 soy sterol, PEG-2 stearate, PEG-8 stearate,PEG-20 stearate, PEG-32 stearate, PEG40 stearate, PEG-50 stearate,PEG-100 stearate, PEG-150 stearate, pentadecalactone, peppermint (menthapiperita) oil, petrolatum, phospholipids, polyamino sugar condensate,polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, polyquaternium-24, polysorbate 20,polysorbate 40, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 80, polysorbate 85,potassium myristate, potassium palmitate, potassium sorbate, potassiumstearate, propylene glycol, propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate,propylene glycol dioctanoate, propylene glycol dipelargonate, propyleneglycol laurate, propylene glycol stearate, propylene glycol stearate SE,PVP, pyridoxine dipalmitate, quaternium-15, quaternium-18 hectorite,quaternium-22, retinol, retinyl palmitate, rice (oryza sativa) bran oil,RNA, rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis) oil, rose oil, safflower(carthamus tinctorius) oil, sage (salvia officinalis) oil, salicylicacid, sandalwood (santalum album) oil, serine, serum protein, sesame(sesamum indicum) oil, shea butter (butyrospermum parkii), silk powder,sodium chondroitin sulfate, sodium hyaluronate, sodium lactate, sodiumpalmitate, sodium PCA, sodium polyglutamate, sodium stearate, solublecollagen, sorbic acid, sorbitan laurate, sorbitan oleate, sorbitanpalmitate, sorbitan sesquioleate, sorbitan stearate, sorbitol, soybean(glycine soja) oil, sphingolipids, squalane, squalene, stearamideMEA-stearate, stearic acid, stearoxy dimethicone,stearoxytrimethylsilane, stearyl alcohol, stearyl glycyrrhetinate,stearyl heptanoate, stearyl stearate, sunflower (helianthus annuus) seedoil, sweet almond (prunus amygdalus dulcin) oil, synthetic beeswax,tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, tocopheryl linoleate, tribehenin,tridecyl neopentanoate, tridecyl stearate, triethanolamine, tristearin,urea, vegetable oil, water, waxes, wheat (triticum vulgare) germ oil,and ylang ylang (cananga odorata) oil.

iii. Antioxidants

Non-limiting examples of antioxidants that can be used with thecompositions of the present invention include acetyl cysteine, ascorbicacid polypeptide, ascorbyl dipalmitate, ascorbyl methylsilanolpectinate, ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl stearate, BHA, BHT, t-butylhydroquinone, cysteine, cysteine HCl, diamylhydroquinone,di-t-butylhydroquinone, dicetyl thiodipropionate, dioleyl tocopherylmethylsilanol, disodium ascorbyl sulfate, distearyl thiodipropionate,ditridecyl thiodipropionate, dodecyl gallate, erythorbic acid, esters ofascorbic acid, ethyl ferulate, ferulic acid, gallic acid esters,hydroquinone, isooctyl thioglycolate, kojic acid, magnesium ascorbate,magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, methylsilanol ascorbate, natural botanicalanti-oxidants such as green tea or grape seed extracts,nordihydroguaiaretic acid, octyl gallate, phenylthioglycolic acid,potassium ascorbyl tocopheryl phosphate, potassium sulfite, propylgallate, quinones, rosmarinic acid, sodium ascorbate, sodium bisulfate,sodium erythorbate, sodium metabisulfite, sodium sulfite, superoxidedismutase, sodium thioglycolate, sorbityl furfural, thiodiglycol,thiodiglycolamide, thiodiglycolic acid, thioglycolic acid, thiolacticacid, thiosalicylic acid, tocophereth-5, tocophereth-10, tocophereth-12,tocophereth-18, tocophereth-50, tocopherol, tocophersolan, tocopherylacetate, tocopheryl linoleate, tocopheryl nicotinate, tocopherylsuccinate, and tris(nonylphenyl)phosphite.

iv. Structuring Agents

In other non-limiting aspects, the compositions of the present inventioncan include a structuring agent. Structuring agents, in certain aspects,assist in providing rheological characteristics to the composition tocontribute to the composition's stability. In other aspects, structuringagents can also function as an emulsifier or surfactant. Non-limitingexamples of structuring agents include stearic acid, palmitic acid,stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, stearic acid, palmiticacid, the polyethylene glycol ether of stearyl alcohol having an averageof about 1 to about 21 ethylene oxide units, the polyethylene glycolether of cetyl alcohol having an average of about 1 to about 5 ethyleneoxide units, and mixtures thereof.

v. Emulsifiers

In some non-limiting aspects, the compositions can include one or moreemulsifiers. Emulsifiers can reduce the interfacial tension betweenphases and improve the formulation and stability of an emulsion. Theemulsifiers can be nonionic, cationic, anionic, and zwitterionicemulsifiers (See McCutcheon's (1986); U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,011,681;4,421,769; 3,755,560). Non-limiting examples include esters of glycerin,esters of propylene glycol, fatty acid esters of polyethylene glycol,fatty acid esters of polypropylene glycol, esters of sorbitol, esters ofsorbitan anhydrides, carboxylic acid copolymers, esters and ethers ofglucose, ethoxylated ethers, ethoxylated alcohols, alkyl phosphates,polyoxyethylene fatty ether phosphates, fatty acid amides, acyllactylates, soaps, TEA stearate, DEA oleth-3 phosphate, polyethyleneglycol 20 sorbitan monolaurate (polysorbate 20), polyethylene glycol 5soya sterol, steareth-2, steareth-20, steareth-21, ceteareth-20, PPG-2methyl glucose ether distearate, ceteth-10, polysorbate 80, cetylphosphate, potassium cetyl phosphate, diethanolamine cetyl phosphate,polysorbate 60, glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate, and mixturesthereof.

vi. Silicone Containing Compounds

In non-limiting aspects, silicone containing compounds include anymember of a family of polymeric products whose molecular backbone ismade up of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms with side groupsattached to the silicon atoms. By varying the —Si—O— chain lengths, sidegroups, and crosslinking, silicones can be synthesized into a widevariety of materials. They can vary in consistency from liquid to gel tosolids.

The silicone containing compounds that can be used in the context of thepresent invention include those described in this specification or thoseknown to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Non-limiting examplesinclude silicone oils (e.g., volatile and non-volatile oils), gels, andsolids. In preferred aspects, the silicon containing compounds includesa silicone oils such as a polyorganosiloxane. Non-limiting examples ofpolyorganosiloxanes include dimethicone, cyclomethicone,polysilicone-11, phenyl trimethicone, trimethylsilylamodimethicone,stearoxytrimethylsilane, or mixtures of these and other organosiloxanematerials in any given ratio in order to achieve the desired consistencyand application characteristics depending upon the intended application(e.g., to a particular area such as the skin, hair, or eyes). A“volatile silicone oil” includes a silicone oil have a low heat ofvaporization, i.e. normally less than about 50 cal per gram of siliconeoil. Non-limiting examples of volatile silicone oils include:cyclomethicones such as Dow Corning 344 Fluid, Dow Corning 345 Fluid,Dow Corning 244 Fluid, and Dow Corning 245 Fluid, Volatile Silicon 7207(Union Carbide Corp., Danbury, Conn.); low viscosity dimethicones, i.e.dimethicones having a viscosity of about 50 cst or less (e.g.,dimethicones such as Dow Corning 200-0.5 cst Fluid). The Dow CorningFluids are available from Dow Corning Corporation, Midland, Mich.Cyclomethicone and dimethicone are described in the Third Edition of theCTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary (incorporated by reference) ascyclic dimethyl polysiloxane compounds and a mixture of fully methylatedlinear siloxane polymers end-blocked with trimethylsiloxy units,respectively. Other non-limiting volatile silicone oils that can be usedin the context of the present invention include those available fromGeneral Electric Co., Silicone Products Div., Waterford, N.Y. and SWSSilicones Div. of Stauffer Chemical Co., Adrian, Mich.

vii. Essential Oils

Essential oils include oils derived from herbs, flowers, trees, andother plants. Such oils are typically present as tiny droplets betweenthe plant's cells, and can be extracted by several method known to thoseof skill in the art (e.g., steam distilled, enfleurage (i.e., extractionby using fat), maceration, solvent extraction, or mechanical pressing).When these types of oils are exposed to air they tend to evaporate(i.e., a volatile oil). As a result, many essential oils are colorless,but with age they can oxidize and become darker. Essential oils areinsoluble in water and are soluble in alcohol, ether, fixed oils(vegetal), and other organic solvents. Typical physical characteristicsfound in essential oils include boiling points that vary from about 160°to 240° C. and densities ranging from about 0.759 to about 1.096.

Essential oils typically are named by the plant from which the oil isfound. For example, rose oil or peppermint oil are derived from rose orpeppermint plants, respectively. Non-limiting examples of essential oilsthat can be used in the context of the present invention include sesameoil, macadamia nut oil, tea tree oil, evening primrose oil, Spanish sageoil, Spanish rosemary oil, coriander oil, thyme oil, pimento berriesoil, rose oil, anise oil, balsam oil, bergamot oil, rosewood oil, cedaroil, chamomile oil, sage oil, clary sage oil, clove oil, cypress oil,eucalyptus oil, fennel oil, sea fennel oil, frankincense oil, geraniumoil, ginger oil, grapefruit oil, jasmine oil, juniper oil, lavender oil,lemon oil, lemongrass oil, lime oil, mandarin oil, marjoram oil, myrrhoil, neroli oil, orange oil, patchouli oil, pepper oil, black pepperoil, petitgrain oil, pine oil, rose otto oil, rosemary oil, sandalwoodoil, spearmint oil, spikenard oil, vetiver oil, wintergreen oil, orylang ylang. Other essential oils known to those of skill in the art arealso contemplated as being useful within the context of the presentinvention.

viii. Thickening Agents

Thickening agents, including thickener or gelling agents, includesubstances that can increase the viscosity of a composition. Thickenersinclude those that can increase the viscosity of a composition withoutsubstantially modifying the efficacy of the active ingredient within thecomposition. Thickeners can also increase the stability of thecompositions of the present invention.

Non-limiting examples of additional thickening agents that can be usedin the context of the present invention include carboxylic acidpolymers, crosslinked polyacrylate polymers, polyacrylamide polymers,polysaccharides, and gums. Examples of carboxylic acid polymers includecrosslinked compounds containing one or more monomers derived fromacrylic acid, substituted acrylic acids, and salts and esters of theseacrylic acids and the substituted acrylic acids, wherein thecrosslinking agent contains two or more carbon-carbon double bonds andis derived from a polyhydric alcohol (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,087,445;4,509,949; 2,798,053; CTFA International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary,Fourth edition, 1991, pp. 12 and 80). Examples of commercially availablecarboxylic acid polymers include carbomers, which are homopolymers ofacrylic acid crosslinked with allyl ethers of sucrose or pentaerytritol(e.g., Carbopol™ 900 series from B. F. Goodrich).

Non-limiting examples of crosslinked polyacrylate polymers includecationic and nonionic polymers. Examples are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,100,660; 4,849,484; 4,835,206; 4,628,078; 4,599,379).

Non-limiting examples of polyacrylamide polymers (including nonionicpolyacrylamide polymers including substituted branched or unbranchedpolymers) include polyacrylamide, isoparaffin and laureth-7, multi-blockcopolymers of acrylamides and substituted acrylamides with acrylic acidsand substituted acrylic acids.

Non-limiting examples of polysaccharides include cellulose,carboxymethyl hydroxyethylcellulose, cellulose acetate propionatecarboxylate, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl ethylcellulose,hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methylhydroxyethylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium cellulosesulfate, and mixtures thereof. Another example is an alkyl substitutedcellulose where the hydroxy groups of the cellulose polymer ishydroxyalkylated (preferably hydroxy ethylated or hydroxypropylated) toform a hydroxyalkylated cellulose which is then further modified with aC₁₀-C₃₀ straight chain or branched chain alkyl group through an etherlinkage. Typically these polymers are ethers of C₁₀-C₃₀ straight orbranched chain alcohols with hydroxyalkylcelluloses. Other usefulpolysaccharides include scleroglucans comprising a linear chain of (1-3)linked glucose units with a (1-6) linked glucose every three unit.

Non-limiting examples of gums that can be used with the presentinvention include acacia, agar, algin, alginic acid, ammonium alginate,amylopectin, calcium alginate, calcium carrageenan, carnitine,carrageenan, dextrin, gelatin, gellan gum, guar gum, guarhydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, hectorite, hyaluroinic acid, hydratedsilica, hydroxypropyl chitosan, hydroxypropyl guar, karaya gum, kelp,locust bean gum, natto gum, potassium alginate, potassium carrageenan,propylene glycol alginate, sclerotium gum, sodium carboyxmethyl dextran,sodium carrageenan, tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, and mixtures thereof.

b. Pharmaceutical Ingredients

Pharmaceutical ingredients are also contemplated as being useful withthe emulsion compositions of the present invention. Non-limitingexamples of pharmaceutical ingredients include anti-acne agents, agentsused to treat rosacea, analgesics, anesthetics, anorectals,antihistamines, anti-inflammatory agents including non-steroidalanti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals,antimicrobials, anti-cancer actives, scabicides, pediculicides,antineoplastics, antiperspirants, antipruritics, antipsoriatic agents,antiseborrheic agents, biologically active proteins and peptides, burntreatment agents, cauterizing agents, depigmenting agents, depilatories,diaper rash treatment agents, enzymes, hair growth stimulants, hairgrowth retardants including DFMO and its salts and analogs, hemostatics,kerotolytics, canker sore treatment agents, cold sore treatment agents,dental and periodontal treatment agents, photosensitizing actives, skinprotectant/barrier agents, steroids including hormones andcorticosteroids, sunburn treatment agents, sunscreens, transdermalactives, nasal actives, vaginal actives, wart treatment agents, woundtreatment agents, wound healing agents, etc.

C. Kits

Kits are also contemplated as being used in certain aspects of thepresent invention. For instance, a composition of the present inventioncan be included in a kit. A kit can include a container. Containers caninclude a bottle, a metal tube, a laminate tube, a plastic tube, adispenser, a pressurized container, a barrier container, a package, acompartment, a lipstick container, a compact container, cosmetic pansthat can hold cosmetic compositions, or other types of containers suchas injection or blow-molded plastic containers into which thedispersions or compositions or desired bottles, dispensers, or packagesare retained. The kit and/or container can include indicia on itssurface. The indicia, for example, can be a word, a phrase, anabbreviation, a picture, or a symbol.

The containers can dispense a pre-determined amount of a composition. Inother embodiments, the container can be squeezed (e.g., metal, laminate,or plastic tube) to dispense a desired amount of the composition. Thecomposition can be dispensed as a spray, foam, an aerosol, a liquid, afluid, or a semi-solid. The containers can have spray, pump, or squeezemechanisms. A kit can also include instructions for using the kit and/orcompositions. Instructions can include an explanation of how to apply,use, and maintain the compositions.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are included to demonstrate certain non-limitingaspects of the invention. It should be appreciated by those of skill inthe art that the techniques disclosed in the examples which followrepresent techniques discovered by the inventor to function well in thepractice of the invention. However, those of skill in the art should, inlight of the present disclosure, appreciate that many changes can bemade in the specific embodiments which are disclosed and still obtain alike or similar result without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention.

Example 1 Materials and Methods for Obtaining Extracts

The extracts identified in Tables 1-3 were prepared from the wholeplant. Each plant was individually obtained, ground, and dried, toproduce a powder. The powder was treated according to the processdescribed in FIG. 1. Each extract in Tables 1-3 was prepared by andprovided to the inventors by Kunming Institute of Botany, ChineseAcademy of Sciences, Yunnan, CHINA.

Example 2 Efficacy of Extracts

Each extract prepared according to the process described in Example 1was subjected to a variety of assays to determine their skin efficacy.The following Tables 1-3 provide a summary of these data. A descriptionof the assays used to obtain these data is provided below Table 3.

TABLE 1* Anti Oxidant Tyrosinase Elastase TNF-α LO COX MMP 1 MMP 3Extract** Activity Activity Activity Activity Activity Activity ActivityActivity Loropetalum chinensis EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT Tremaangustifolia EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT Glochidion lanceolaris EFFECT EFFECTEFFECT EFFECT EFFECT *“EFFECT” means that the given extract had ameasurable effect on the corresponding activity being assayed, which isindicative of beneficial results when applied to skin. **These datasuggest that a combination of such extracts can be used in a product toproduce a multi-functional product. Alternatively, the extracts can beused individually, which still can result in a product having multiplebenefits.

TABLE 2* Anti Oxidant Tyrosinase Elastase TNF-α LO COX MMP 1 MMP 3Extract** Activity Activity Activity Activity Activity Activity ActivityActivity Loropetalum chinensis EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT CarquejaEFFECT EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT Glochidion lanceolaris EFFECTEFFECT EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT *“EFFECT” means that the given extract had ameasurable effect on the corresponding activity being assayed, which isindicative of beneficial results when applied to skin. **These datasuggest that a combination of such extracts can be used in a product toproduce a multi-functional product. Alternatively, the extracts can beused individually, which still can result in a product having multiplebenefits.

TABLE 3* Anti Oxidant Tyrosinase Elastase TNF-α LO COX MMP 1 MMP 3Extract** Activity Activity Activity Activity Activity Activity ActivityActivity Ficus tikoua EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT Polygonum hydropiper EFFECTEFFECT EFFECT Pistacia chinensis EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT Zizyphusmauritiana EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT Garuga forrestii EFFECT EFFECT EFFECTMichelia figo EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT Populus davidiana EFFECT EFFECTSabina chinensis EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT Cuphea balsamona EFFECT EFFECTEFFECT Setaria palmifolia EFFECT EFFECT Polygonum lapathifolium EFFECTEFFECT EFFECT Artemisia parviflora EFFECT EFFECT Camptotheca acuminateEFFECT Washingtonia filifera EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT Machiluslongipedicellata EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT Geranium nepalense EFFECTEFFECT EFFECT Ipomoea obscura EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT Cedrus deodara EFFECTEFFECT EFFECT Quercus aliena EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT Condurango EFFECTEFFECT EFFECT Catuaba EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT Carex baccansEFFECT Chrysalidocarpus lutescens EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT Gnaphaliumpensylvanicum EFFECT EFFECT Lonicera maackii EFFECT EFFECTTsoongiodendron odorum EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT Celtis sinensis EFFECTEFFECT EFFECT Cassia siamea EFFECT EFFECT Catalpa yunnanesis EFFECTPotamogenton perforliatus EFFECT EFFECT Cinnamomum japonicum EFFECTEFFECT EFFECT *“EFFECT” means that the given extract had a measurableeffect on the corresponding activity being assayed, which is indicativeof beneficial results when applied to skin. **In addition to theextracts identified in Tables 1-2, these data suggest that any number ofdifferent combinations of such extracts can be used (including those inTables 1-2) in a product to produce a multi-functional product.Alternatively, the extracts can be used individually, which still canresult in a product having multiple benefits.

Antioxidant (AO) assay: An in vitro bioassay that measures the totalanti-oxidant capacity of an extract. The assay relies on the ability ofantioxidants in the sample to inhibit the oxidation of ABTS®(2,2′-azino-di-[3-ethylbenzthiazoline sulphonate]) to ABTS®.+ bymetmyoglobin. The antioxidant system of living organisms includesenzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathioneperoxidase; macromolecules such as albumin, ceruloplasmin, and ferritin;and an array of small molecules, including ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol,β-carotene, reduced glutathione, uric acid, and bilirubin. The sum ofendogenous and food-derived antioxidants represents the totalantioxidant activity of the extracellular fluid. Cooperation of all thedifferent antioxidants provides greater protection against attack byreactive oxygen or nitrogen radicals, than any single compound alone.Thus, the overall antioxidant capacity may give more relevant biologicalinformation compared to that obtained by the measurement of individualcomponents, as it considers the cumulative effect of all antioxidantspresent in plasma and body fluids. The capacity of the antioxidants inthe sample to prevent ABTS oxidation is compared with that of Trolox, awater-soluble tocopherol analogue, and is quantified as molar Troloxequivalents.

Anti-Oxidant capacity kit #709001 from Cayman Chemical (Ann Arbor, Mich.USA) was used as an in vitro bioassay to measure the total anti-oxidantcapacity of each of the extracts identified in Tables 1-3. The protocolwas followed according to manufacturer recommendations. The assay reliedon antioxidants in the sample to inhibit the oxidation of ABTS®(2,2′-azino-di-[3-ethylbenzthiazoline sulphonate]) to ABTS®.+ bymetmyoglobin. The capacity of the antioxidants in the sample to preventABTS oxidation was compared with that Trolox, a water-soluble tocopherolanalogue, and was quantified as a molar Trolox equivalent.

Tyrosinase activity assay: In mammalian cells, tyrosinase catalyzes twosteps in the multi-step biosynthesis of melanin pigments from tyrosine(and from the polymerization of dopachrome). Tyrosinase is localized inmelanocytes and produces melanin (aromatic quinone compounds) thatimparts color to skin, hair, and eyes.

Purified mushroom tyrosinase (Sigma) was incubated with its substrateL-Dopa (Fisher) in the presence or absence of each of the extracts inTables 1-3. Pigment formation was evaluated by colorimetric platereading at 490 nm. The percent inhibition of mushroom tyrosinaseactivity was calculated compared to non-treated controls to determinethe ability of test extracts to inhibit the activity of purified enzyme.Test extract inhibition was compared with that of kojic acid (Sigma).

Elastase Assay: EnzChek® Elastase Assay (Kit# E-12056) from MolecularProbes (Eugene, Oreg. USA) was used as an in vitro enzyme inhibitionassay for measuring inhibition of elastase activity for each of theextracts identified in Tables 1-3. The EnzChek kit contains solublebovine neck ligament elastin that has been labeled with dye such thatthe conjugate's fluorescence is quenched. The non-fluorescent substratecan be digested by elastase or other proteases to yield highlyfluorescent fragments. The resulting increase in fluorescence can bemonitored with a fluorescence microplate reader. Digestion products fromthe elastin substrate have absorption maxima at ˜505 nm and fluorescenceemission maxima at ˜515 nm. The peptide, chloromethyl ketone, is used asa selective, collective inhibitor of elastase when utilizing the EnzChekElastase Assay Kit for screening for elastase inhibitors.

Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) Assay: The prototype ligand of theTNF superfamily, TNF-α, is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays a centralrole in inflammation. Increase in its expression is associated with anup regulation in pro-inflammatory activity. This bioassay analyzes theeffect of extracts on the production of TNF-α by human epidermalkeratinocytes. The endpoint of this assay is a spectrophotometricmeasurement that reflects the presence of TNF-α and cellular viability.The assay employs the quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay techniquewhereby a monoclonal antibody specific for TNF-α has been pre-coatedonto a microplate. Standards and samples are pipetted into the wells andany TNF-α present is bound by the immobilized antibody. After washingaway any unbound substances, an enzyme-linked polyclonal antibodyspecific for TNF-α is added to the wells. Following a wash to remove anyunbound antibody-enzyme reagent, a substrate solution is added to thewells and color develops in proportion to the amount of TNF-α bound inthe initial step using a microplate reader for detection at 450 nm. Thecolor development is stopped and the intensity of the color is measured.

Subconfluent normal human adult keratinocytes (Cascade Biologics)cultivated in EpiLife standard growth medium (Cascade Biologics) at 37°C. in 5% CO₂, were treated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 10ng/ml, Sigma Chemical, #P1585-1MG) and each of the extracts identifiedin Tables 1-3 for 6 hours. PMA has been shown to cause a dramaticincrease in TNF-α secretion which peaks at 6 hours after treatment.Following incubation, cell culture medium was collected and the amountof TNF-α secretion quantified using a sandwhich enzyme linkedimmuno-sorbant assay (ELISA) from R&D Systems (#DTA00C).

Lipoxygenase (LO) Assay: An in vitro lipoxygenase (LO) inhibition assay.LOs are non-heme iron-containing dioxygenases that catalyze the additionof molecular oxygen to fatty acids. Linoleate and arachidonate are themain substrates for LOs in plants and animals. Arachadonic acid may thenbe converted to hydroxyeicosotrienenoic (HETE) acid derivatives, thatare subsequently converted to leukotirenes, potent inflammatorymediators. This assay provides an accurate and convenient method forscreening lipoxygenase inhibitors by measuring the hydroperoxidesgenerated from the incubation of a lipoxygenase (5-, 12-, or 15-LO) witharachidonic acid.

The Colorimetric LO Inhibitor screening kit (#760700, Cayman Chemical)was used to determine the ability of each of the extracts identified inTables 1-3 to inhibit enzyme activity. Purified 15-lipoxygenase and testextracts were mixed in assay buffer and incubated with shaking for 10min at room temperature. Following incubation, arachidonic acid wasadded to initiate the reaction and mixtures incubated for an additional10 min at room temperature. Colorimetric substrate was added toterminate catalysis and color progression was evaluated by fluorescenceplate reading at 490 nm. The percent inhibition of lipoxyganse activitywas calculated compared to non-treated controls to determine the abilityof test extracts to inhibit the activity of purified enzyme.

Cyclooxygenase (COX) Assay: An in vitro cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 (COX-1,-2) inhibition assay. COX is a bifunctional enzyme exhibiting bothcyclooxygenase and peroxidase activities. The cyclooxygenase activityconverts arachidonic acid to a hydroperoxy endoperoxide (ProstaglandinG2; PGG2) and the peroxidase component reduces the endoperoxide(Prostaglandin H2; PGH2) to the corresponding alcohol, the precursor ofprostaglandins, thromboxanes, and prostacyclins. This COX Inhibitorscreening assay measures the peroxidase component of cyclooxygenases.The peroxidase activity is assayed colorimetrically by monitoring theappearance of oxidized N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD).This inhibitor screening assay includes both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes inorder to screen isozyme-specific inhibitors.

The Colormetric COX (ovine) Inhibitor screening assay (#760111, CaymanChemical), was used to analyze the effects of each of the extractsidentified in Tables 1-3 on the activity of purified cyclooxygnaseenzyme (COX-1 or COX-2). According to manufacturer instructions,purified enzyme, heme and test extracts were mixed in assay buffer andincubated with shaking for 15 min at room temperature. Followingincubation, arachidonic acid and colorimetric substrate were added toinitiate the reaction. Color progression was evaluated by colorimetricplate reading at 590 nm. The percent inhibition of COX-1 or COX-2activity was calculated compared to non-treated controls to determinethe ability of test extracts to inhibit the activity of purified enzyme.

Matrix Metalloproteinase Enzyme Activity (MMP1) Assay: An in vitromatrix metalloprotease (MMP) inhibition assay. MMPs are extracellularproteases that play a role in many normal and disease states by virtueof their broad substrate specificity. MMP1 substrates include collagenIV. The Molecular Probes Enz/Chek Gelatinase/Collagenase Assay kit(#E12055) utilizes a fluorogenic gelatin substrate to detect MMP1protease activity. Upon proteolytic cleavage, bright green fluorescenceis revealed and may be monitored using a fluorescent microplate readerto measure enzymatic activity.

The Enz/Chek Gelatinase/Collagenase Assay kit (#E12055) from Invitrogenwas used as an in vitro assay to measure MMP 1 enzymatic activity foreach of the extracts identified in Tables 1-3. The assay relies upon theability of purified MMP 1 enzyme to degrade a fluorogenic gelatinsubstrate. Once the substrate is specifically cleaved by MMP1 brightgreen fluorescence is revealed and may be monitored using a fluorescentmicroplate reader. Test materials are incubated in the presence orabsence of the purified enzyme and substrate to determine their proteaseinhibitor capacity.

Matrix Metalloproteinase Enzyme Activity 3 (MMP3) assay: An in vitromatrix metalloprotease (MMP) inhibition assay was used for each of theextracts identified in Tables 1-3. MMPs are extracellular proteases thatplay a role in many normal and disease states by virtue of their broadsubstrate specificity. MMP3 substrates include collagens, fibronectins,and laminin. Using Colorimetric Drug Discovery kits from BioMolInternational for MMP3 (AK-400), this assay is designed to measureprotease activity of MMPs using a thiopeptide as a chromogenic substrate(Ac-PLG-[2-mercapto-4-methyl-pentanoyl]-LG-OC2H5)5,6. The MMP cleavagesite peptide bond is replaced by a thioester bond in the thiopeptide.Hydrolysis of this bond by an MMP produces a sulfhydryl group, whichreacts with DTNB [5,5′-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid), Ellman's reagent]to form 2-nitro-5-thiobenzoic acid, which can be detected by itsabsorbance at 412 nm (ε=13,600 M-1 cm⁻¹ at pH 6.0 and above 7).

Example 3 Testing Vehicles and Sample Compositions

Tables 4 and 5 describe generic skin testing formulations in which askin active ingredient can be incorporated into to determine the typesof skin benefits that can be attributed to the skin active ingredient.These formulations are prepared in such a manner that any resulting skinbenefit from topical application of the formula to skin can be directlyattributed to the skin active ingredient being tested. In the context ofthe present invention, the skin active ingredient that can be tested canbe a Ficus tikoua extract, Polygonum hydropiper extract, Pistaciachinensis extract, Zizyphus mauritiana extract, Garuga forrestiiextract, Michelia figo extract, Populus davidiana extract, Sabinachinensis extract, Cuphea balsamona extract, Setaria palmifolia extract,Polygonum lapathifolium extract, Artemisia parviflora extract,Camptotheca acuminate extract, Washingtonia filifera extract, Machiluslongipedicellata extract, Geranium nepalense extract, Ipomoea obscuraextract, Cedrus deodara extract, Quercus aliena extract, Loropetalumchinensis extract, carqueja extract, condurango extract, catuabaextract, Carex baccans extract, Trema angustifolia extract,Chrysalidocarpus lutescens extract, Gnaphalium pensylvanicum extract,Lonicera maackii extract, Tsoongiodendron odorum extract, Celtissinensis extract, Cassia siamea extract, Glochidion lanceolaris extract,Catalpa yunnanesis extract, Potamogenton perforliatus extract, orCinnamomum japonicum extract, or any combination of these extracts. Anyportion of the plant extract can be used for testing (e.g., root, stem,leaf, flower, flower bulb, bark, fruit, seed, sap, whole plant etc.). Itshould be recognized that other standard testing vehicles can also beused to determine the skin benefit properties of extracts obtained fromthe plant extracts and that the following formulations are non-limitingtesting vehicles.

TABLE 4* Ingredient % Concentration (by weight) Phase A Water 84.80Xanthum gum 0.1 M-paraben 0.15 P-paraben 0.1 Citric acid 0.1 Phase BCetyl alcohol 4.0 Glyceryl stearate + PEG 100 4.0 Octyl palmitate 4.0Dimethicone 1.0 Tocopheryl acetate 0.2 Phase C Plant Extract** 2.0 TOTAL100 *Procedure for making composition: Sprinkle Xanthum gum in water andmix for 10 min. Subsequently, add all ingredients in phase A and heat to70-75° C.. Add all items in phase B to separate beaker and heat to70-75° C.. Mix phases A and B at 70-75° C.. Continue mixing and allowcomposition to cool to 30° C.. Subsequently, add phase C ingredientwhile mixing. **The plant extracts identified throughout thisspecification can be incorporated into this testing formulation as theskin active ingredient. The extracts can be individually used orcombined in this testing vehicle. The concentration ranges of theextract (or combination of extracts) can be modified as desired orneeded by increasing or decreasing the amount of water. In particularembodiments, the extracts can be selected from the group consisting of:Camptotheca acuminate extract; Loropetalum chinensis extract;Chrysalidocarpus lutscens extract; and Potamogenton perforliatusextract; and any combination thereof, or all thereof. In anotherparticular aspect, the extracts can be selected from Loropetalumchinensis, Trema angustifolia and/or Glochidion lanceolaris, and anycombination thereof, or all thereof. Any portion of the plant can beused to create the skin-active extract (e.g., root, stem, leaf, flower,flower bulb, bark, fruit, seed, seed pod, sap, whole plant etc.).

TABLE 5* Ingredient % Concentration (by weight) Phase A Water 78.6M-paraben 0.2 P-paraben 0.1 Na2 EDTA 0.1 Shea butter 4.5 Petrolatum 4.5Glycerin 4.0 Propylene Glycol 2.0 Finsolve TN 2.0 Phase B Sepigel 3052.0 Phase C Plant Extract** 2.0 TOTAL 100 *Add ingredients in phase A tobeaker and heat to 70-75° C. while mixing. Subsequently, add the phase Bingredient with phase A and cool to 30° C. with mixing. Subsequently,add phase C ingredient while mixing. **The plant extracts identifiedthroughout this specification can be incorporated into this testingformulation as the skin active ingredient. The extracts can beindividually used or combined in this testing vehicle. The concentrationranges of the extract (or combination of extracts) can be modified asdesired or needed by increasing or decreasing the amount of water. Inparticular embodiments, the extracts can be selected from the groupconsisting of: Camptotheca acuminate extract; Loropetalum chinensisextract; Chrysalidocarpus lutscens extract; and Potamogentonperforliatus extract; and any combination thereof, or all thereof. Inanother particular aspect, the extracts can be selected from Loropetalumchinensis, Trema angustifolia and/or Glochidion lanceolaris, and anycombination thereof, or all thereof. Any portion of the plant can beused to create the skin-active extract (e.g., root, stem, leaf, flower,flower bulb, bark, fruit, seed, seed pod, sap, whole plant etc.).

The formulations represented in Table 6-11 are non-limiting examples ofthe types of formulations that can be prepared in the context of thepresent invention. Any standard method can be used to prepare suchformulations. For instance, simple mixing of the ingredients in a beakercan be used. One should mix such ingredients and add heat as necessaryto obtain a homogenous composition.

Table 6 includes a non-limiting example of a composition of the presentinvention. The composition can be formulated into an emulsion (e.g.,o/w, w/o, o/w/o, w/o/w, etc.) and the additional ingredients identifiedthroughout the specification can be included into the Table 4composition (e.g., by adjusting the water content of composition).Further, the concentration ranges of the ingredients identified in Table6 can vary depending on a desired formulation (e.g., cream, lotion,moisturizer cleanser, etc.).

TABLE 6 Ingredient % Concentration (by weight) Water q.s. Plant Extract*  0.1% to 10% Glycerin    3 to 40% Butylene glycol 0.0001 to 10%Propylene glycol 0.0001 to 10% Phenoxyethanol 0.0001 to 10% DisodiumEDTA 0.0001 to 10% Steareth-20 0.0001 to 10% Chlorhexidine Diglunonate0.0001 to 10% Potasium Sorbate 0.0001 to 10% Preservative** 0.0001 to2%  TOTAL 100 *The plant extracts identified throughout thisspecification can be incorporated into this testing formulation as theskin active ingredient. The extracts can be individually used orcombined in this testing vehicle. The concentration ranges of theextract (or combination of extracts) can be modified as desired orneeded by increasing or decreasing the amount of water. In particularembodiments, the extracts can be selected from the group consisting of:Camptotheca acuminate extract; Loropetalum chinensis extract;Chrysalidocarpus lutscens extract; and Potamogenton perforliatusextract; and any combination thereof, or all thereof. In anotherparticular aspect, the extracts can be selected from Loropetalumchinensis, Trema angustifolia and/or Glochidion lanceolaris, and anycombination thereof, or all thereof. Any portion of the plant can beused to create the skin-active extract (e.g., root, stem, leaf, flower,flower bulb, bark, fruit, seed, seed pod, sap, whole plant etc.). **Anypreservative can be used identified in the specification or those knownin the art.

Table 7 includes a non-limiting example of a composition of the presentinvention. The composition can be formulated into an emulsion (e.g.,o/w, w/o, o/w/o, w/o/w, etc.) and the additional ingredients identifiedthroughout the specification can be included into the Table 7composition (e.g., by adjusting the water content of composition).Further, the concentration ranges of the ingredients identified in Table7 can vary depending on a desired formulation (e.g., cream, lotion,moisturizer cleanser, etc.).

TABLE 7 Ingredient % Concentration (by weight) Water q.s. Plant Extract*  0.1% to 10% Dimethicone 0.0001 to 10% Triethanolamine 0.0001 to 10%Phenonip 0.0001 to 10% Betaine 0.0001 to 10% Disodium EDTA 0.0001 to 10%Tocopheryl acetate 0.0001 to 10% Prodew 400 0.0001 to 10% Preservative**0.0001 to 2%  TOTAL 100 *The plant extracts identified throughout thisspecification can be incorporated into this testing formulation as theskin active ingredient. The extracts can be individually used orcombined in this testing vehicle. The concentration ranges of theextract (or combination of extracts) can be modified as desired orneeded by increasing or decreasing the amount of water. In particularembodiments, the extracts can be selected from the group consisting of:Camptotheca acuminate extract; Loropetalum chinensis extract;Chrysalidocarpus lutscens extract; and Potamogenton perforliatusextract; and any combination thereof, or all thereof. In anotherparticular aspect, the extracts can be selected from Loropetalumchinensis, Trema angustifolia and/or Glochidion lanceolaris, and anycombination thereof, or all thereof. Any portion of the plant can beused to create the skin-active extract (e.g., root, stem, leaf, flower,flower bulb, bark, fruit, seed, seed pod, sap, whole plant etc.). **Anypreservative can be used identified in the specification or those knownin the art.

Table 8 includes a non-limiting example of a composition of the presentinvention. The composition can be formulated into an emulsion (e.g.,o/w, w/o, o/w/o, w/o/w, etc.) and the additional ingredients identifiedthroughout the specification can be included into the Table 8composition (e.g., by adjusting the water content of composition).Further, the concentration ranges of the ingredients identified in Table8 can vary depending on a desired formulation (e.g., cream, lotion,moisturizer cleanser, etc.). In particular embodiments, the Table 8composition can be a moisturizer.

TABLE 8 Ingredient % Concentration (by weight) Water q.s. Plant Extract*  0.1% to 10% Glycerin 0.0001 to 10% Pentylene Glycol 0.0001 to 10%Capryl Glycol 0.0001 to 10% Disodium EDTA 0.0001 to 10% Capric/CaprylicTriglyceride 0.0001 to 10% Lipex 205 (Shea Butter) 0.0001 to 10%Squalane 0.0001 to 10% Cetyl Alcohol 0.0001 to 10% Dimethicone 0.0001 to10% Ceramide II 0.0001 to 10% Stearic Acid 0.0001 to 10% Super SterolEster 0.0001 to 10% Arlacel 165 0.0001 to 10% Simulgel 600 0.0001 to 10%TOTAL 100 *The plant extracts identified throughout this specificationcan be incorporated into this testing formulation as the skin activeingredient. The extracts can be individually used or combined in thistesting vehicle. The concentration ranges of the extract (or combinationof extracts) can be modified as desired or needed by increasing ordecreasing the amount of water. In particular embodiments, the extractscan be selected from the group consisting of: Camptotheca acuminateextract; Loropetalum chinensis extract; Chrysalidocarpus lutscensextract; and Potamogenton perforliatus extract; and any combinationthereof, or all thereof. In another particular aspect, the extracts canbe selected from Loropetalum chinensis, Trema angustifolia and/orGlochidion lanceolaris, and any combination thereof, or all thereof. Anyportion of the plant can be used to create the skin-active extract(e.g., root, stem, leaf, flower, flower bulb, bark, fruit, seed, seedpod, sap, whole plant etc.).

Table 9 includes a non-limiting example of a composition of the presentinvention. The composition can be formulated into an emulsion (e.g.,o/w, w/o, o/w/o, w/o/w, etc.) and the additional ingredients identifiedthroughout the specification can be included into the Table 9composition (e.g., by adjusting the water content of composition).Further, the concentration ranges of the ingredients identified in Table9 can vary depending on a desired formulation (e.g., cream, lotion,moisturizer cleanser, etc.). In particular embodiments, the Table 9composition can be a moisturizer.

TABLE 9 Ingredient % Concentration (by weight) Water q.s. Plant Extract*  0.1% to 10% Glycerin 0.0001 to 10% Pentylene Glycol 0.0001 to 10%Capryl Glycol 0.0001 to 10% Disodium EDTA 0.0001 to 10% Petrolatum0.0001 to 10% Squalane 0.0001 to 10% Cetyl Alcohol 0.0001 to 10% Arlacel165 0.0001 to 10% Dimethicone 0.0001 to 10% Simulgel 600 0.0001 to 10%TOTAL 100 *The plant extracts identified throughout this specificationcan be incorporated into this testing formulation as the skin activeingredient. The extracts can be individually used or combined in thistesting vehicle. The concentration ranges of the extract (or combinationof extracts) can be modified as desired or needed by increasing ordecreasing the amount of water. In particular embodiments, the extractscan be selected from the group consisting of: Camptotheca acuminateextract; Loropetalum chinensis extract; Chrysalidocarpus lutscensextract; and Potamogenton perforliatus extract; and any combinationthereof, or all thereof. In another particular aspect, the extracts canbe selected from Loropetalum chinensis, Trema angustifolia and/orGlochidion lanceolaris, and any combination thereof, or all thereof. Anyportion of the plant can be used to create the skin-active extract(e.g., root, stem, leaf, flower, flower bulb, bark, fruit, seed, seedpod, sap, whole plant etc.).

Table 10 includes a non-limiting example of a composition of the presentinvention. The composition can be formulated into an emulsion (e.g.,o/w, w/o, o/w/o, w/o/w, etc.) and the additional ingredients identifiedthroughout the specification can be included into the Table 10composition (e.g., by adjusting the water content of composition).Further, the concentration ranges of the ingredients identified in Table10 can vary depending on a desired formulation (e.g., cream, lotion,moisturizer cleanser, etc.). In particular embodiments, the Table 10composition can be a sunscreen lotion.

TABLE 10 Ingredient % Concentration (by weight) Water q.s. PlantExtract*   0.1% to 10% Xanthan Gum 0.0001 to 10% Disodium EDTA 0.0001 to10% Pentylene Glycol 0.0001 to 10% Capryl Glycol 0.0001 to 10% PemulenTR-1 0.0001 to 10% Triethanolamine 0.0001 to 10% PVP/HexadeceneCopolymer 0.0001 to 10% Finsolv TN    10 to 30% Sorbitan Isostearate0.0001 to 10% Sunscreen Ingredient**    2 to 25% TOTAL 100 *The plantextracts identified throughout this specification can be incorporatedinto this testing formulation as the skin active ingredient. Theextracts can be individually used or combined in this testing vehicle.The concentration ranges of the extract (or combination of extracts) canbe modified as desired or needed by increasing or decreasing the amountof water. In particular embodiments, the extracts can be selected fromthe group consisting of: Camptotheca acuminate extract; Loropetalumchinensis extract; Chrysalidocarpus lutscens extract; and Potamogentonperforliatus extract; and any combination thereof, or all thereof. Inanother particular aspect, the extracts can be selected from Loropetalumchinensis, Trema angustifolia and/or Glochidion lanceolaris, and anycombination thereof, or all thereof. Any portion of the plant can beused to create the skin-active extract (e.g., root, stem, leaf, flower,flower bulb, bark, fruit, seed, seed pod, sap, whole plant etc.).**Sunscreen ingredient can be any sunscreen ingredient, or combinationof such ingredients, identified in the specification or known to thoseof ordinary skill in the art. In one embodiment, the sunscreeningredient is a combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Table 11 includes a non-limiting example of a composition of the presentinvention. The additional ingredients identified throughout thespecification can be included into the Table 11 composition (e.g., byadjusting the water content of composition). Further, the concentrationranges of the ingredients identified in Table 11 can vary depending on adesired formulation (e.g., cream, lotion, moisturizer cleanser, etc.).In particular embodiments, the Table 11 composition can be a cleanser.

TABLE 11 Ingredient % Concentration (by weight) Water q.s. PlantExtract*   0.1% to 10% Disodium EDTA 0.0001 to 10% Citric Acid 0.0001 to10% Pentylene Glycol 0.0001 to 10% Capryl Glycol 0.0001 to 10% sodiummethyl cocoyl taurate    10 to 30% sodium cocoamphodiacetate    1 to 10%TOTAL 100 *The plant extracts identified throughout this specificationcan be incorporated into this testing formulation as the skin activeingredient. The extracts can be individually used or combined in thistesting vehicle. The concentration ranges of the extract (or combinationof extracts) can be modified as desired or needed by increasing ordecreasing the amount of water. In particular embodiments, the extractscan be selected from the group consisting of: Camptotheca acuminateextract; Loropetalum chinensis extract; Chrysalidocarpus lutscensextract; and Potamogenton perforliatus extract; and any combinationthereof, or all thereof. In another particular aspect, the extracts canbe selected from Loropetalum chinensis, Trema angustifolia and/orGlochidion lanceolaris, and any combination thereof, or all thereof. Anyportion of the plant can be used to create the skin-active extract(e.g., root, stem, leaf, flower, flower bulb, bark, fruit, seed, seedpod, sap, whole plant etc.).

Example 4 Assays that can be Used to Test Compositions

The efficacy of compositions comprising the plant extracts identifiedthroughout the specification, or a combination of such extracts(including, for example, the formulations identified in Tables 4-11),can be determined by methods known to those of ordinary skill in theart. The following are non-limiting assays that can be used in thecontext of the present invention. It should be recognized that othertesting procedures can be used, including, for example, objective andsubjective procedures.

Erythema Assay: An assay to measure the reduction of skin redness can beevaluated using a Minolta Chromometer. Skin erythema may be induced byapplying a 0.2% solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate on the forearm of asubject. The area is protected by an occlusive patch for 24 hrs. After24 hrs, the patch is removed and the irritation-induced redness can beassessed using the a* values of the Minolta Chroma Meter. The a* valuemeasures changes in skin color in the red region. Immediately afterreading, the area is treated with a formula containing any one, or anycombination thereof, of the extracts identified throughout thespecification. In particular aspects, the extract can be a Camptothecaacuminate extract, a Loropetalum chinensis extract, a Chrysalidocarpuslutscens extract, or a Potamogenton perforliatus extract, or anycombination thereof. Repeat measurements are taken at regular intervalsto determine the formula's ability to reduce redness, inflammation, orskin irritation.

Skin Moisture/Hydration Assay: Skin moisture/hydration benefits can bemeasured by using impedance measurements with the Nova Dermal PhaseMeter. The impedance meter measures changes in skin moisture content.The outer layer of the skin has distinct electrical properties. Whenskin is dry it conducts electricity very poorly. As it becomes morehydrated increasing conductivity results. Consequently, changes in skinimpedance (related to conductivity) can be used to assess changes inskin hydration. The unit can be calibrated according to instrumentinstructions for each testing day. A notation of temperature andrelative humidity can also be made. Subjects can be evaluated asfollows: prior to measurement they can equilibrate in a room withdefined humidity (e.g., 30-50%) and temperature (e.g., 68-72° C.). Threeseparate impedance readings can be taken on each side of the face,recorded, and averaged. The T5 setting can be used on the impedancemeter which averages the impedance values of every five secondsapplication to the face. Changes can be reported with statisticalvariance and significance.

Skin Clarity and Reduction in Freckles and Age Spots Assay: Skin clarityand the reduction in freckles and age spots can be evaluated using aMinolta Chromometer. Changes in skin color can be assessed to determineirritation potential due to product treatment using the a* values of theMinolta Chroma Meter. The a* value measures changes in skin color in thered region. This is used to determine whether a composition is inducingirritation. The measurements can be made on each side of the face andaveraged, as left and right facial values. Skin clarity can also bemeasured using the Minolta Meter. The measurement is a combination ofthe a*, b, and L values of the Minolta Meter and is related to skinbrightness, and correlates well with skin smoothness and hydration. Skinreading is taken as above. In one non-limiting aspect, skin clarity canbe described as L/C where C is chroma and is defined as (a²+b²)^(1/2).

Skin Dryness, Surface Fine Lines, Skin Smoothness, and Skin Tone Assay:Skin dryness, surface fine lines, skin smoothness, and skin tone can beevaluated with clinical grading techniques. For example, clinicalgrading of skin dryness can be determined by a five point standardKligman Scale: (0) skin is soft and moist; (1) skin appears normal withno visible dryness; (2) skin feels slightly dry to the touch with novisible flaking; (3) skin feels dry, tough, and has a whitish appearancewith some scaling; and (4) skin feels very dry, rough, and has a whitishappearance with scaling. Evaluations can be made independently by twoclinicians and averaged.

Clinical Grading of Skin Tone Assay: Clinical grading of skin tone canbe performed via a ten point analog numerical scale: (10) even skin ofuniform, pinkish brown color. No dark, erythremic, or scaly patches uponexamination with a hand held magnifying lens. Microtexture of the skinvery uniform upon touch; (7) even skin tone observed withoutmagnification. No scaly areas, but slight discolorations either due topigmentation or erythema. No discolorations more than 1 cm in diameter;(4) both skin discoloration and uneven texture easily noticeable. Slightscaliness. Skin rough to the touch in some areas; and (1) uneven skincoloration and texture. Numerous areas of scaliness and discoloration,either hypopigmented, erythremic or dark spots. Large areas of unevencolor more than 1 cm in diameter. Evaluations were made independently bytwo clinicians and averaged.

Clinical Grading of Skin Smoothness Assay: Clinical grading of skinsmoothness can be analyzed via a ten point analog numerical scale: (10)smooth, skin is moist and glistening, no resistance upon dragging fingeracross surface; (7) somewhat smooth, slight resistance; (4) rough,visibly altered, friction upon rubbing; and (1) rough, flaky, unevensurface. Evaluations were made independently by two clinicians andaveraged.

Skin Smoothness and Wrinkle Reduction Assay With Methods Disclosed inPackman et al. (1978): Skin smoothness and wrinkle reduction can also beassessed visually by using the methods disclosed in Packman et al.(1978). For example, at each subject visit, the depth, shallowness andthe total number of superficial facial lines (SFLs) of each subject canbe carefully scored and recorded. A numerical score was obtained bymultiplying a number factor times a depth/width/length factor. Scoresare obtained for the eye area and mouth area (left and right sides) andadded together as the total wrinkle score.

Skin Firmness Assay with a Hargens Ballistometer: Skin firmness can bemeasured using a Hargens ballistometer, a device that evaluates theelasticity and firmness of the skin by dropping a small body onto theskin and recording its first two rebound peaks. The ballistometry is asmall lightweight probe with a relatively blunt tip (4 square mm-contactarea) was used. The probe penetrates slightly into the skin and resultsin measurements that are dependent upon the properties of the outerlayers of the skin, including the stratum corneum and outer epidermisand some of the dermal layers.

Skin Softness/Suppleness Assay with a Gas Bearing Electrodynamometer:Skin softness/suppleness can be evaluated using the Gas BearingElectrodynamometer, an instrument that measures the stress/strainproperties of the skin. The viscoelastic properties of skin correlatewith skin moisturization. Measurements can be obtained on thepredetermined site on the cheek area by attaching the probe to the skinsurface with double-stick tape. A force of approximately 3.5 gm can beapplied parallel to the skin surface and the skin displacement isaccurately measured. Skin suppleness can then be calculated and isexpressed as DSR (Dynamic Spring Rate in gm/mm).

Appearance of Lines and Wrinkles Assay with Replicas: The appearance oflines and wrinkles on the skin can be evaluated using replicas, which isthe impression of the skin's surface. Silicone rubber like material canbe used. The replica can be analyzed by image analysis. Changes in thevisibility of lines and wrinkles can be objectively quantified via thetaking of silicon replicas form the subjects' face and analyzing thereplicas image using a computer image analysis system. Replicas can betaken from the eye area and the neck area, and photographed with adigital camera using a low angle incidence lighting. The digital imagescan be analyzed with an image processing program and the are of thereplicas covered by wrinkles or fine lines was determined.

Surface Contour of the Skin Assay with a Profilometer/Stylus Method: Thesurface contour of the skin can be measured by using theprofilometer/Stylus method. This includes either shining a light ordragging a stylus across the replica surface. The vertical displacementof the stylus can be fed into a computer via a distance transducer, andafter scanning a fixed length of replica a cross-sectional analysis ofskin profile can be generated as a two-dimensional curve. This scan canbe repeated any number of times along a fix axis to generate a simulated3-D picture of the skin. Ten random sections of the replicas using thestylus technique can be obtained and combined to generate averagevalues. The values of interest include Ra which is the arithmetic meanof all roughness (height) values computed by integrating the profileheight relative to the mean profile height. Rt which is the maximumvertical distance between the highest peak and lowest trough, and Rzwhich is the mean peak amplitude minus the mean peak height. Values aregiven as a calibrated value in mm. Equipment should be standardizedprior to each use by scanning metal standards of know values. Ra Valuecan be computed by the following equation: R_(a)=Standardize roughness;l_(m)=the traverse (scan) length; and y=the absolute value of thelocation of the profile relative to the mean profile height (x-axis).

MELANODERM™ Assay: In other non-limiting aspects, the efficacy of thecompositions of the present invention can be evaluated by using a skinanalog, such as, for example, MELANODERM™. Melanocytes, one of the cellsin the skin analog, stain positively when exposed to L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA), a precursor of melanin. The skin analog, MELANODERM™,can be treated with a variety of bases containing the compositions andwhitening agents of the present invention or with the base alone as acontrol. Alternatively, an untreated sample of the skin analog can beused as a control.

ORAC Assay: Oxygen Radical Absorption (or Absorbance) Capacity (ORAC) ofthe aromatic skin-active ingredients and compositions can also beassayed by measuring the antioxidant activity of such ingredients orcompositions. This assay can quantify the degree and length of time ittakes to inhibit the action of an oxidizing agent such as oxygenradicals that are known to cause damage cells (e.g., skin cells). TheORAC value of the aromatic skin-active ingredients and compositions canbe determined by methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art(see U.S. Publication Nos. 2004/0109905 and 2005/0163880; Cao et al.(1993)), all of which are incorporated by reference). In summary, theassay described in Cao et al. (1993) measures the ability of antioxidantcompounds in test materials to inhibit the decline of B-phycoerythrm(B-PE) fluorescence that is induced by a peroxyl radical generator,AAPH.

Matrix Metalloproteinase Enzyme Activity (MMP3; MMP9) Assay: An in vitromatrix metalloprotease (MMP) inhibition assay. MMPs are extracellularproteases that play a role in many normal and disease states by virtueof their broad substrate specificity. MMP3 substrates include collagens,fibronectins, and laminin; while MMP9 substrates include collagen VII,fibronectins and laminin. Using Colorimetric Drug Discovery kits fromBioMol International for MMP3 (AK-400) and MMP-9 (AK-410), this assay isdesigned to measure protease activity of MMPs using a thiopeptide as achromogenic substrate(Ac-PLG-[2-mercapto-4-methyl-pentanoyl]-LG-OC2H5)5,6. The MMP cleavagesite peptide bond is replaced by a thioester bond in the thiopeptide.Hydrolysis of this bond by an MMP produces a sulfhydryl group, whichreacts with DTNB [5,5′-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid), Ellman's reagent]to form 2-nitro-5-thiobenzoic acid, which can be detected by itsabsorbance at 412 nm (ε=13,600 M-1 cm⁻¹ at pH 6.0 and above 7).

All of the skin-active ingredients, compositions, or methods disclosedand claimed in this specification can be made and executed without undueexperimentation in light of the present disclosure. While theskin-active ingredients, compositions, or methods of this invention havebeen described in terms of particular embodiments, it will be apparentto those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to theskin-active ingredients, compositions, or methods and in the steps or inthe sequence of steps of the method described herein without departingfrom the concept, spirit and scope of the invention.

REFERENCES

The following references, to the extent that they provide exemplaryprocedural or other details supplementary to those set forth herein, arespecifically incorporated herein by reference.

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1. A method of reducing tyrosinase activity and elastase activity in askin cell, comprising topically apply to skin in need of treatment acompositing comprising: (a) a Lonicera maackii extract; and (b) aPolygonum hydropiper extract, wherein topical application of thecomposition to skin reduces tyrosinase activity and elastase activity inthe skin cell.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the skin in need oftreatment is erythemic skin.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the skinin need of treatment is dry, flaky, or itchy skin.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the composition is a lotion, cream, or gel.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the composition is an emulsion.
 6. The methodof claim 1, wherein the Lonicera maackii and Polygonum hydropiperextracts are aqueous extracts.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein theLonicera maackii and Polygonum hydropiper extracts are each whole plantextracts.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition, comprisesfrom 0.01% to 20% by weight of Lonicera maackii extract and 0.01% to 20%by weight of Polygonum hydropiper extract.
 9. The method of claim 1,wherein the composition further reduces oxidation in the skin cell. 10.The method of claim 1, wherein the skin in need of treatment is skinhaving a fine line or wrinkle.
 11. A method of treating skin comprisingtopically apply to skin in need of treatment a compositing comprising:(a) a Lonicera maackii extract; and (b) a Polygonum hydropiper extract,wherein topical application of the composition treats the skin.
 12. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the composition is applied to erythemicskin, dry skin, flack skin, or itchy skin.
 13. The method of claim 11,wherein the composition is applied to a fine line or wrinkle.
 14. Atopical skin care composition comprising: (a) a Lonicera maackiiextract; and (b) a Polygonum hydropiper extract.
 15. The topical skincare composition of claim 14, wherein the composition is a lotion,cream, or gel.
 16. The topical skin care composition of claim 14,wherein the composition is an emulsion.
 17. The topical skin carecomposition of claim 14, wherein the Lonicera maackii and Polygonumhydropiper extracts are aqueous extracts.
 18. The topical skin carecomposition of claim 14, wherein the Lonicera maackii and Polygonumhydropiper extracts are each whole plant extracts.
 19. The topical skincare composition of claim 14, wherein the composition, comprises from0.01% to 20% by weight of Lonicera maackii extract and 0.01% to 20% byweight of Polygonum hydropiper extract.
 20. The topical skin carecomposition of claim 14, wherein the composition further comprises atleast 40% by weight of water.